The Seasons’ Calendar

When I think of winter, 2I think of driving snows, Of whirling flakes, and dazzling drifts, 2And every wind that blows. I think of sparkling night-time 2With all the starry crew; I think of great Orion 2On the midnight blue. I think of chestnuts in the fire 2Bursting and telling fates, I think of sleigh-bells in the dark, 2Of sleds, and skees, and skates.

When I think of springtime, 2I think of rushing rains, Of grass that springs to meet the sun 2In all the country lanes; Of venturous dandelions 2Glowing with friendly gold, Of willow-trees that on the wind 2Their yellow fringe unfold. I think of apple-blossoms— 2As if the world had wings!— And gardens that T mean to make 2In the time of pleasant things.

When I think of summer, 2Comes sweetness on the air, With roses, roses, roses, 2Blowing everywhere! I think of ringing scythes; of sails— 2The outbound fishing fleet; The rhythmic sound of distant oars 2That in the rowlocks beat: Of thrushes singing in the shade 2O’er swimming-pools, and all The strawberries in the mowing-field, 2The peaches on the wall.

When I think of autumn, 2I think of scarlet heaps Of apples underneath the trees 2Where the gray squirrel leaps: Of towering woodsides’ crimson glow— 2Bare boughs against the sky In lacy lines: of wings that sweep 2Southward, with trumpet cry— The wild-geese clanging from the north: 2Of Indian summer days, And of the first fire on the hearth:— 2And warm me in its blaze.