University of Virginia Library


xviii

EASTER

I am the dream of April, I am the soul of May;
The sallows scatter, the sallows splatter their gold upon my way:
The gorses swing censers of spring to honour Easter Day.
I am the baby April, the woman May will be:
I set the berry and hang the cherry on briar and cornel-tree;
Mine 's the shut rose, the apple-blows, the rainbow on the sea.
My tears are all of April, my laughter is of May,
My sorrow's all a cowslip-ball, so light to toss away:
My heart is bright with Easter light, my face is fair to see.
Because God's risen, and out of prison the whole round world goes free.