Songs of the Common Day, and Ave!

An Ode for the Shelley Centenary

by Charles G.D. Roberts

 

A SONG OF CHEER

 
THE winds are up with wakening day
    And tumult in the tree;
Across the cool and open sky
    White clouds are streaming free;
The new light breaks o'er flood and field
5

    Clear like an echoing horn,
While in loud flight the crows are blown
    Athwart the sapphire morn.

What tho' the maple's scarlet flame
    Declares the summer dome,
10
Tho' finch and starling voyage south
    To win a softer sun,
What tho' the withered leaf whirls by
    To strew the purpling stream,—
Stretched are the world's glad veins with strength.
15

    Despair is grown a dream!

The acres of the golden rod
    Are glorious on the hills.
Tho storm and loss approach, the year's
    High heart upleaps and thrills.
20
Dearest, the cheer, the brave delight,
    Are given to shame regret,
That when the long frost falls, our hearts
    Be glad, and not forget!