Now, in the dark of February Rains

 

Here's a heart-lifting poem from George MacDonald:

 

In February

 

Now in the dark of February rains,

Poor lovers of the sunshine, spring is born,

The earthy fields are full of hidden corn,

And March's violets bud along the lanes;

 

Therefore with joy believe in what remains.

And thou who dost not feel them, do not scorn

Our early songs for winter overworn,

And faith in God's handwriting on the plains.

 

“Hope” writes he, “Love” in the first violet,

“Joy,” even from Heaven, in songs and winds and trees;

And having caught the happy words in these

While Nature labours with the letters yet,

Spring cannot cheat us, though her hopes be broken,

Nor leave us, for we know what God hath spoken.

 

George Macdonald