The Winter Sleep
When snow began she tried to make
No noise—was frugal in her mirth;
She feared her childish romps might break
The winter slumber of the Earth.
When roofs shook down the thawing snow,
And snowdrops peeped—what joyous cries!
Had not dear Earth begun to throw
The clothes off, and to open eyes?
But when once more the snow came down,
And hoar-frost whitened every pane,
Her brows were puckered in a frown,
The change perplexed her little brain.
She thought and thought how this might be;
At last “Oh my, papa!” she cried;
“We thought she was awake—but she
Has only turned upon her side!”
