A Song of Seasons

Elizabeth Roberts MacDonald (1864–1922)

SING a song of Spring-time!

Catkins by the brook,

Adders-tongues uncounted,

Ferns in every nook;

The cataract on the hillside

Leaping like a fawn;

Sing a song of Spring-time,—

Ah, but Spring-time ’s gone!

Sing a song of Summer!

Flowers among the grass,

Clouds like fairy frigates,

Pools like looking-glass,

Moonlight through the branches,

Voices on the lawn;

Sing a song of Summer,—

Ah, but Summer ’s gone!

Sing a song of Autumn!

Grain in golden sheaves,

Woodbine’s crimson clusters

Round the cottage eaves,

Days of crystal clearness,

Frosted fields at dawn;

Sing a song of Autumn,—

Ah, but Autumn ’s gone!

Sing a song of Winter!

North-wind’s bitter chill,

Home and ruddy firelight,

Kindness and good-will,

Hemlock in the churches,

Daytime soon withdrawn;

Sing a song of Winter,—

Ah, but Winter ’s gone!

Sing a song of loving!

Let the seasons go;

Hearts can make their gardens

Under sun or snow;

Fear no fading blossom,

Nor the dying day;

Sing a song of loving,—

That will last for aye!