Before the Snow

By Bliss Carman

Now soon, ah, very soon, I know

The trumpets of the north will blow,

And the great winds will come to bring

The pale, wild riders of the snow.

Darkening the sun with level flight,

At arrowy speed, they will alight,

Unnumbered as the desert sands,

To bivouac on the edge of night.

Then I, within their somber ring,

Shall hear a voice that seems to sing,

Deep, deep within my tranquil heart,

The valiant prophecy of spring.