The Waking East

You return from the distant West-
O hath the sun retraced its leap!
Waking Winter's frosted fields,
From their deep, and ancient sleep.

The aching tree's, with snow and sorrow laden,
Shift, and lift their arms an octave higher.
The horizon West, far and faint,
Turns to wax, set now afire.

Your eyes alive, blue and summer soaked,
Joyful sing to the land beguiled.
The fading night, crestless cold,
Melts to dawn, with colors warm and wild.

Rejoice, O waking East,
For our lady this day returns!
To the sparrow's song, soft and sweet,
Sing for whom the West now yearns.