Poems (Charlotte Allen)/Stanzas (Oh, I would die in Spring)

by Charlotte Allen

For works with similar titles, see Stanzas.

STANZAS.

Oh, I would die in Spring,
When the earth's blossoming
 Breathes of another life:
Then would I lay my head,
Within' the green earth's bed,
 Free from vain care and strife:

Then will the sweet birds sing,
Then will fresh flowers spring
 Over my humble grave.
The soft and gentle breeze,
Sighing among the trees,
 The requiem I crave.

Though life hath many joys,
They 're tinctured with alloys,
 To bid us look above:
Fain would my spirit soar,
And that great God adore,
 Of pure and boundless love.

Yes, I would die in Spring;
Then would my spirit wing
 Its unseen flight on high:
And at the day's pale close,
Ere night its mantle throws,
 The time, I'd like to die.

For twilight's pensive shades,
The hour when daylight fades,
 Seems sweetest to depart;
There 's stillness in the air,
Which, Zephyr-like would bear
 Away my troubled heart.

Or at the early dawn
Of sweet and dewy morn,
 Gently to pass away,
Like one whose thread is spun,
Whose earthly course is done
 Forever and for aye.