Strong tides of early sunlight sweep
Across the quiet hills,
Awaking grass and ferns from sleep,
The trees, and lyric rills;
White clouds, like sea-mews, skim the sky;
Low purls the fragrant breeze;
And robins from the pine-boughs nigh
Make matin-melodies.
'Tis Easter morning, calm and clear,
In spirit solitude;
Hushed are the sounds of strife and fear,
Hushed sorrow's carking brood.
Refrains of reverent praise and prayer
Adown the morning ring,
And to my heart, by peace laid bare,
A prescient power bring.
Light, as a robe, envelops me,
And unseen lilies bloom.
In thought, I look toward Galilee
And mark the empty tomb;
I feel the Risen Presence near;
"Rabboni!"I exclaim,
And lo, in sweet response, I hear
The Master call my name!
