How Far The Spring Today, My Friend? Poem by Emmanuel George Cefai

How far is Spring to-day my friend?
‘Tis like a land that to reach must
Traverse this land, and this, and that.
Before Spring cometh granted Summer goes
An Autumn cool must come with it
The lonely winds amidst the bosky trees
And in the sheltered woods and peopled woods
Leaves must then yellow and sere and fall.
‘Twill not be enough - the trees must they
Unclothe all garments before Winter’s lust
That he may touch with his hand
Full every bough and tree and wood
Hoary lover! Leaving your icicles
Fixed on the boughs and woods that they
May shine with every night in the pale moon
When clouds are dreaming far and stay away:
And heaven’s blue dome unattended leave:
Then having suffered long all that surviveth
Will go in to the Spring; turn green with it.