LOVE-CALL IN SPRING

By Cale Young Rice

Not only the lark but the robin too

( Oh, heart o’ my heart, come into the wood! )

Is singing the air to gladness new

As the breaking bud

And the freshet's flood!

Not only the peeping grass and the scent —

( Oh, love o’ my life, fly unto me here! )

Of violets coming ere April's spent —

But the frog's shrill cheer

And the crow's wild jeer!

Not only the blue, not only the breeze,

( Oh, soul o’ my heart, why tarry so long! )

But sun that is sweeter upon the trees

Than rills that throng

To the brooklet's song!

Oh, heart o’ my heart, oh, heart o’ my love,

( Oh soul o’ my soul, haste unto me, haste! )

For spring is below and God is above —

But all is a waste

Without thee — haste!