Spring Came In

SPRING came in with a red-wing's feather

And yellow clumps of the wild marshmallow —

O happy bird, can you tell me whether

In distant France they have April weather?

And little pools that are sunny and shallow?

My soul is awake and my pulse is racing —

My heart is aware that the birds are mating —

Oh, my heart's like a cloud that the wind is chasing

O'er the earth's green blur with its silver tracing

To that sad France where there's someone waiting!

O Spring! begone with your too-sweet clover

And all your bees with honey to carry —

Come again when the war is over,

Come, dear Spring, when you bring my lover!

Yet come no more, should he tarry... tarry!