The Seasons, by Charlotte Smith

How far the falling leaves have burst apart,
Now where the blooms are worn with wane;
As winter winds have struck their deepened heart,
In shades of gloom the autumn’s now the bane.

Fields of snow and shadows wild traverse,
Tracing lost echoes sting;
Yet Nature calls, makes rich and sweet her verse,
To cherish all the hopes that spring will bring.

• Charlotte Smith