Poems (Tynan)/Slow Spring
SLOW SPRING
As the day lengthens, the year strengthens. Strengthen, young year! Grow strong and handsome, gallant and winsome, Comely and dear.
Gray days shall hold you, sweet days shall fold you, Till there shall come The wind-flowers dancing, the tulips glancing, The swallows home.
The nests not yet in the grass are set For larks in the sky To love you madly and hail you gladly, Hail you and die.
The rose-tree shows not a trace of the rose That shall crown your head. The leaves are furled in a silent world Till your word be said.
O year, grow slowly. Exquisite, holy, The days go on With almonds showing the pink stars blowing, And birds in the dawn.
Grow slowly, year, like a child that is dear, Or a lamb that is mild, By little steps, and by little skips, Like a lamb or a child.