The flocks were trudging from their winter haunts. Their youthful shepherd once again went forth Upon the plain illumined by the stream. The gaily wakened fields waved greetings gay And singing lands were hailing him with joy. He smiled unto himself and walked along With wakening heart upon the spring-touched ways. Upon his crook he leaped across the ford, And, as he halted at the other shore, Rejoiced to see the gold that waves had washed From underneath the stones, and fragile shells Of many shapes and tints that promised luck. The bleating of his lambs he heard no more, And wandered to the woods, the cool ravine. There brooks are rushing headlong down the rocks-- The rocks where mosses drip and naked roots Of sombre beeches darkly intertwine. In silent contemplation of the leaves He fell asleep, although the sun was high And silver scales were glistening in the stream. He woke and climbing reached the mountain peak To celebrate the passing of the light. With sacred leaves he crowned his head and prayed; And through the mild and gently stirring shadows Of darkening clouds soared forth his hearty lay. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...MARJORIE'S WOOING by EMMA LAZARUS EGOISME A DEUX' by LOUISA SARAH BEVINGTON THE SNOWING OF THE PINES' by THOMAS WENTWORTH HIGGINSON MEDITATIONS OF A HINDU [OR, HINDOO] PRINCE [AND SKEPTIC] by ALFRED COMYNS LYALL ST. ISAAC'S CHURCH, PETROGRAD by CLAUDE MCKAY FETES GALANTES: MANDOLINE by PAUL VERLAINE |