Paroles

The April days are here; the winter’s cold
Gives place to genial warmth; the willows bold
Put on their gala dress to greet the day,
The bluebird sings in just the old, sweet way.

Each restless rootlet, freed from frosty night,
Builds quick a blade of green to greet the light,
And every footfall feels the busy strife
Of germs unnumbered struggling into life.

The robin, lover of the twilight long,
Blesses the budding orchard boughs with song.
A trembling gauze of green the woodland holds
Wrapped in the mystery of its fragrant folds.

The violets, up and down each wayward lane,
Answer the summons of the clear-voiced rain—
Waking serene from sleep, as children do—
The love-light in their eyes tender and true.

Learn, O my soul, the lesson o’er and o’er—
Life conquers death, now and forevermore;
Nay, rather death is not. Whate’er befall,
‘Tis life alone, triumphant over all.

(Luella Clark)