APRIL AGAIN!

April again! the willow wands are yellow

Rose-red the brambles that the passing wind knows,

Comes a robin's note like the note of a‘ cello,

And across the valley, the calling of the crows,—

“April again!”

April again! and the marsh birds swinging

Over the rushes that belong to yester-year;

Silver shines the river, and young lips are singing

Songs as old as Eden — as old and as dear;

“April again!”

April again! with a wet wind blowing,

And along the western sky a pathway of gold;

Sounds a call to follow the road we're not knowing,

A new road — a wild road — o'er fairy lands unrolled,—

“April again!”

April again! with its wonder of gladness,

April with its haunting joy, and swift-stinging tears,—

Month of mist and music, and the old moon-madness,

Month of magic fluting, the spirit only hears,—

“April again!”