University of Virginia Library


72

A Summer Cloud

Yes, it was you,
The soft cloud in the summer blue,
So white, so warm,
That brought the thunder and the storm.
So warm, so white,
With broad rays like a ladder bright,
That reached to heaven,
The very highest of the seven.
Earth seemed as fair,
As crystalline the liquid air,
As painters drew
In Italy when Art was new.
Yes, it was you,
Transfigured earth awhile, then drew
The dreadful rain
That drowned a whole life's garnered gain.