In April

When beeches bud and lilacs blow,And Earth puts on her magic green;When dogwoods bear their vernal snowAnd skies grow deep the stars between,—Then, O ye birds! awake and singThe gladness at the heart of Spring!

When flowers blossom for the poor,And Nature heals the hurt of years,When wondering Love resists the cure,Yet hopes again, and smiles through tears,—Then, O ye birds! awake and singThe gladness at the heart of Spring!