THE BIRCH TREE AT LOSCHWITZ
Reading edition
At Loschwitz above the city The air is sunny and chill; The birch trees and the pine trees Grow thick upon the hill. Lone and tall, with silver stem, A birch tree stands apart; The passionate wind of spring-time Stirs in its leafy heart. I lean against the birch tree, My arms around it twine; It pulses, and leaps, and quivers, Like a human heart to mine. One moment I stand, then sudden Let loose mine arms that cling: O God! the lonely hillside, The passionate wind of spring! Amy Levy