The Birch-Tree at Loschwitz

At Loschwitz above the city The air is sunny and chill; The birch-trees and the pine-trees Grow thick upon the hill.

Lone and tall, with silver stem, A birch-tree stands apart; The passionate wind of spring-time Stirs in its leafy heart.

I lean against the birch-tree, My arms around it twine; It pulses, and leaps, and quivers, Like a human heart to mine.

One moment I stand, then sudden Let loose mine arms that cling: O God! the lonely hillside, The passionate wind of spring!