Green Things Growing

O the green things growing, the green things growing,

The faint sweet smell of the green things growing!

I should like to live, whether I smile or grieve,

Just to watch the happy life of my green things growing.

O the fluttering and the pattering of those green things growing!

How they talk each to each, when none of us are knowing;

In the wonderful white of the weird moonlight

Or the dim dreamy dawn when the cocks are crowing.

I love, I love them so - my green things growing!

And I think that they love me, without false showing;

For by many a tender touch, they comfort me so much,

With the soft mute comfort of green things growing.

And in the rich store of their blossoms glowing

Ten for one I take they're on me bestowing:

Oh, I should like to see, if God's will it may be,

Many, many a summer of my green things growing!

But if I must be gathered for the angel's sowing,

Sleep out of sight awhile, like the green things growing,

Though dust to dust return, I think I'll scarcely mourn,

If I may change into green things growing.