Poetry Sunday: March by William Cullen Bryant

Yes, I'm still tinkering with the look of the blog!

We are almost halfway through "stormy March." So far it hasn't really lived up to that name here in Southeast Texas, although we have had plenty of clouds and wind. But it looks like the days ahead may help March recover its reputation for changeableness. According to forecasts, winter may be with us for one more day, tomorrow, but then spring arrives a few days early on Tuesday. William Cullen Bryant appreciated the unloved month and even wrote an ode to it.  

March 

by William Cullen Bryant

The stormy March is come at last,
With wind, and cloud, and changing skies,

I hear the rushing of the blast,
That through the snowy valley flies.

Ah, passing few are they who speak,
Wild stormy month! in praise of thee;
Yet, though thy winds are loud and bleak,
Thou art a welcome month to me.

For thou, to northern lands, again
The glad and glorious sun dost bring,
And thou hast joined the gentle train
And wear’st the gentle name of Spring.

And, in thy reign of blast and storm,
Smiles many a long, bright, sunny day,
When the changed winds are soft and warm,
And heaven puts on the blue of May.

Then sing aloud the gushing rills
And the full springs, from frost set free,
That, brightly leaping down the hills,
Are just set out to meet the sea.

The year’s departing beauty hides
Of wintry storms the sullen threat;
But in thy sternest frown abides
A look of kindly promise yet.

Thou bring’st the hope of those calm skies,
And that soft time of sunny showers,
When the wide bloom, on earth that lies,
Seems of a brighter world than ours.