16 May, 2021

Winter Sleep

Adult and Cub Tiger on Snowfield Near Bare Trees
Credit: Pexels/Pixabay

I know it must be winter (though I sleep)
I know it must be winter, for I dream 
I dip my bare feet in the running stream, 
And flowers are many, and the grass grows deep. 

I know I must be old (how age deceives!)
I know I must be old, for, all unseen, 
My heart grows young, as autumn fields grow green 
When late rains patter on the falling sheaves. 

I know I must be tired (and tired souls err)
I know I must be tired, for all my soul
To deeds of daring beats a glad, faint roll, 
As storms the riven pine to music stir. 

I know I must be dying (Death draws near)
I know I must be dying, for I crave 
Life—life, strong life, and think not of the grave,
And turf-bound silence, in the frosty year.

Edith Matilda Thomas