Dawn-Joy by Fannie Stearns Davis

Clean, clean as crispèd water-cress The dawn-taste of the wind! I got me out with hastiness, And not a look behind.

The sleep fell off my eyes like scales, And off my feet like lead. As thoughtless Things with hooves and tails, I leapt, and tossed my head!

The sleep swept off my heart like mist That blurs a sun-lit sea. I felt the keen blood curl and twist To every tip of me.

I felt as cherry-trees must feel When all their blossoms shake; Or like the black-bird routs that reel Around a rushy lake.

I thought, "And so the Sun must thrill, Who strides upon his way, And sees the hushed earth-hollows fill With living golden Day!"

I thought, "And God Himself must know A Joy ten thousandfold More free and thirsty, when His low Dull earth grows glad and bold,

"And rocks and quivers in His hand, As I do, with the Spring Across the wild green-gilded land Unloosed and glorying."

-- Clean, clean as crispèd water-cress, The dawn-taste of the wind. My thoughts leapt high with heavenliness; My feet came close behind!