Hope

The earth was silent, still

And all the people, hushed in breath

Looked up into the brilliant clouds

Of heaven, though the ice of death

 Was on their weary hearts-

For hopeful spring’s last shower

Had passed away at last-

And that without a flower

 The time had grown so deep

And many hearts were crying

For hope to be renewed

And many now were dying

 I see the fragrant light

Look now! For through the trees

A fiery chariot comes

To part our stormy seas!