SUNLIGHT ON DISTANT HILLS

But a moment since and the sun was shining

Over the hills that I see from my room.

And now the rain and the mist come driving

Out of the West, in a cloud of gloom.

Over the woods, and meadows, and gardens,

Hurries the storm like the hand of Doom.

But a moment hence and the clouds shall vanish;

Breaking and drifting and all asunder.

And lo! in their midst will the sky be lying

Calm and blue with a peaceful wonder

Nothing may alter, though sorrow and tempest

Torture the Earth, as she trembles under.