Selections from the American Poets/Scene After a Summer Shower
SCENE AFTER A SUMMER SHOWER.
The rain is o'er. How dense and bright Yon pearly clouds reposing lie!Cloud above cloud, a glorious sight, Contrasting with the dark blue sky!
In grateful silence, earth receives The general blessing; fresh and fair,Each flower expands its little leaves, As glad the common joy to share.
The soften'd sunbeams pour around A fairy light, uncertain, pale;The wind flows cool; the scented ground Is breathing odours on the gale.
Mid yon rich clouds' voluptuous pile, Methinks some spirit of the airMight rest, to gaze below a while, Then turn to bathe and revel there.
The sun breaks forth; from off the scene Its floating veil of mist is flung;And all the wilderness of green With trembling drops of light is hung.
Now gaze on Nature—yet the same— Glowing with life, by breezes fann'd,Luxuriant, lovely, as she came, Fresh in her youth, from God's own hand.
Hear the rich music of that voice, Which sounds from all below, above;She calls her children to rejoice, And round them throws her arms of love.
Drink in her influence; lowborn Care, And all the train of mean Desire,Refuse to breathe this holy air, And mid this living light expire.