AFTER THE STORM

By John Lawson Stoddard

The duel of the warring clouds

Hath ended with the day;

Their scintillant, electric blades

Have ceased their fearful play;

The pent up fury of their hate

Hath found at last release,

And o'er the tempest-stricken earth

Broods now the hush of peace.

The passing of the hurricane

Hath swept the sultry skies;

The clearness of the atmosphere

Brings jubilant surprise;

The mountain peaks are glorified

With freshly-fallen snow,

And, stealing o'er their coronets,

Appears the sunset glow.

An hour since, a torrid heat

Oppressed the languid frame;

The wind was as the khamseen's breath,

The solar touch seemed flame;

But now the air rejuvenates,

The breeze refreshment brings,

The lustrous leaves drop diamonds,

The lark with rapture sings.

Fear not, dear heart! life's darkest storms

Shall likewise end in light;

Behind the blackest thundercloud

The sun shines clear and bright;

Once more celestial heights shall wear

Their sheen of spotless snow,

And on the bravely steadfast soul

The smile of God shall glow.