SHADOW AND SHINE

By James Whitcomb Riley

Storms of the winter, and deepening snows,

When will you end? I said,

For the soul within me was numb with woes,

And my heart uncomforted.

When will you cease, O dismal days?

When will you set me free?

For the frozen world and its desolate ways

Are all unloved of me!

I waited long, but the answer came —

The kiss of the sunshine lay

Warm as a flame on the lips that frame

The song in my heart to-day.

Blossoms of summer-time waved in the air,

Glimmers of sun in the sea;

Fair thoughts followed me everywhere,

And the world was dear to me.