University of Virginia Library


37

THE VANE

The East Wind stays and stays,
Unkind to man and beast;
I had not known in the old days
If it was West or East.
But Love has bid me learn
What winds be kind, be keen,
And how the glittering vane will turn
The chimney-pots between.
The East Wind blows and blows,
Too rough for a gold head,
Harsh for a little human rose,
All rosy-white and red.
Pack, East Wind, and be off,
Back to your arid plain,
And bid the West the children love
Turn round the gilded vane!