A Dawn Song

While the earth is dark and grey         How I laugh within:    I know     In my breast what ardours gay         From the morning overflow.          Though the cheek be white and wet         In my heart no fear may fall:     There my chieftain leads, and yet         Ancient battle-trumpets call.          Bend on me no hasty frown         If my spirit slight your cares:     Sunlike still my joy looks down         Changing tears to beamy airs.          Think me not of fickle heart         If with joy my bosom swells     Though your ways from mine depart:         In the true are no farewells.          What I love in you I find         Everywhere.    A friend I greet     In each flower and tree and wind--         Oh, but life is sweet, is sweet.          What to you are bolts and bars         Are to me the hands that guide     To the freedom of the stars         Where my golden kinsmen bide.          From my mountain top I view:         Twilight's purple flower is gone,     And I send my song to you         On the level light of dawn. --November 15, 1896