Between The Winter And The Spring

Between the Winter and the Spring One came to me at dead of night; I heard him well as any might, Although his lips, unmurmuring. Made no sweet sounds for my delight; Also, I knew him, though long days (It seemed) had fallen across my ways Since I had felt his comforting.

It was quite dark, but I could see His hair was yellow as the sun; And his soft garments, every one, Were white as angels' throats may be; And as some man whose pain is done At last, and peace is surely his, His eyes were perfect with great bliss And seemed so glad to look at me.

I knew that he had come to bring The change that I was waiting for, And, as he crossed my rush-strewn floor, I had no thought of questioning; And then he kissed me, o'er and o'er, Upon the eyes; so I fell Asleep unfrightened,--knowing well That morning would fulfil the Spring.

And when they came at early morn And found that I at last was dead, Some two or three knelt by my bed And prayed for one they deemed forlorn; But he they wept for only said (Thinking of when the old days were), "Alas that God had need of her The very morning Spring was born!"