Easter Thoughts

Little growing things, pushing through the earth,
Petals for soft wings, bells to echo mirth.
Little bud and leaf, spite of winter's pain,
Spite of nature's grief, they are here again.

Little growing things, roots are in my heart.
Hark! the robin sings. Sorrow must depart.
Doubts and chilly fears! Winter now is o'er,
Wipe away your tears. Courage ! rise once more.

Courage has not fled, Simply slept awhile.
Hope, that you deemed dead, Revived beneath a smile.
Good cannot be slain, beauty never dies,
Spring has come again, soul of man, arise.

Arise and go forth now. Easter calls to you.
Blossoms on the bough, spirit burgeons, too.
The Lenten lilies sing " From dead self, arise,"
While every growing thing says, " Beauty never dies."