The Welcome

God spreads a carpet soft and green O’er which we pass; A thick-piled mat of jeweled sheen⁠— And that is Grass. Delightful music woos the ear; The grass is stirred Down to the heart of every spear⁠— Ah, that’s a Bird. Clouds roll before a blue immense That stretches high And lends the soul exalted sense⁠— That scroll’s a Sky. Green rollers flaunt their sparkling crests; Their jubilee Extols brave Captains and their quests⁠— And that is Sea. New-leaping grass, the feathery flute, The sapphire ring, The sea’s full-voiced, profound salute,⁠— Ah, this is Spring!