A dusk in the spring, With a steady hush of love, Bring the things of the world To a waiting pause.

In the oak branches above, A small bird calls, And then softly vanishes Into the dusk, Where the shade closes in And all prayer is known.

Oh, take each moment, Green it with a breath, And sweeten the soft dusk, For your hands and your heart, For the balance of us all.

• Carl Sandburg