EASTER MORN

At early dawn, when the first golden rays
Of the approaching monarch of the day
Shot 'cross the sky, like blazoned heraldry,
And bathed in mellow hue the peaceful earth,
Scarce yet awake from a calm night or rest,—
The sentinel paced his march with measured tread;
The birds began to sing their matin lays,—
The flowers with opening petals perfume breathed
And smiled in joyous hope through tears of dew,—
The trees, with arms outstretched, fain would embrace
More of the glowing splendor.
Then, suddenly upon the ear
Of unexpectant watchers broke
A roll like thunder,
That seemed from its foundations strong
To tear the very earth—and caused
The watch, in terror-stricken haste,
To flee their posts of vigilance.
The earth itself did shake, but not in fear,
It trembled with exuberance of joy.
The stone upon the cave, that had been sealed,
Rolled back, and did obeisance unto him
Who proved himself the conqueror over death.
And from the cave emerged the form of one
Who came to preach good tidings to the poor,—
Deliverance, to those who had been bound,—
A man of meekness, yet who was the chief
Among ten thousand.
Thus with the rising sun of day, arose
"The sun of righteousness with healing in his wings,"
And so was ushered in the promised day,
In whose effulgent light it should be seen
That Death, the king of terrors, is dethroned;
And Life eternal reigns.