Finis Coronat Opus

Upon a sunlit afternoon, A pair of sparrows sing Their cheery, sprightly, happy tune, While perched on stem of green. Upon a sunlit afternoon, A weary trav’ler lays Himself amid fair, verdant blooms, Some rest, perhaps, to gain. Upon a sunlit afternoon,  The sparrow-minstrels gay Sing loud their song, their joyful tune O’er where the trav’ler stays.

How green the trees along yon’ road Do seem against the sunlit glow, That glist’ning, casts upon the leaves A sparkling prism of purest sheen. Such verdure rich and color deep  Are rare, indeed, on city street,  Along the course of hasty tread Of countless, weary, downcast heads. And yet, the em’rald leaves do shine ‘Neath sunlight pure and breezes fine, To beckon hence the care-worn soul, “Come hither; rest, and make thee whole”.

A leaf unfurls, as gently calls  A watchful sparrow, perched upon A branch, as budded petals fall Like snowflakes do upon the ground. A leaf unfurls, as lively chase A pair of squirrels their bushy tails, And up and down the tree they race, Their raucous chatter unabate’. A leaf unfurls, and ‘neath it’s edge Bloom flow’rs of ev’ry shade and hue, From bushes thick in walling hedge, To daisies bright and lilacs blue. A leaf unfurls, as shadows fall Upon the springing earth alive;  What cheer shall see the robin’s call When yet again the sun shall rise?

Horizon dim is shaded o’er By banks of darkened cloud; The lightning’s flicker heralds forth The thunder’s threat’ning growl. In shrouded darkness building deep,  The gale, in gathered rage Descends in rain, and hail, and sleet Upon the dusty plain. The thunder peals to answer back The lightning’s flashes bold Amid the peaks of stormcloud black And raging tempest cold. Al last, the fury of the squall Expends itself, and light Becomes the sky; and over all Descends a peaceful night.