Edith Matilda Thomas

Winter Sleep

I KNOW it must be winter (though I sleep)--
  I know it must be winter, for I dream
  I dip my bare feet in the running stream,
And flowers are many, and the grass grows deep.

I know I must be old (how age deceives!)--
  I know I must be old, for, all unseen,
  My heart grows young, as autumn fields grow green,
When late rains patter on the falling sheaves.

I know I must be tired (and tired souls err)--
  I know I must be tired, for all my soul
  To deeds of daring beats a glad, faint roll,
As storms the riven pine to music stir.

I know I must be dying (Death draws near)--
  I know I must be dying, for I crave
  Life--life, strong life, and think not of the grave,
And turf-bound silence, in the frosty year.