As daylight smolders, slowly dies,
The sun enflames yet other skies.
The morning chill that brings the dew
Will kiss the rose with fragrance too.
Bold lightning breaks the heav'ns in twain,
Illuminating lovely rain.
Though clouds deny the sun all day,
At dusk they show each glorious ray.
Dead autumn leaves fall down to earth
And spread abroad their golden worth.
The winter tree lies bare and cold,
So like a babe that spring will hold.
When day shrinks back from swelling night,
Then Christmas comes and gives us light.
early 70s
