Thomas MacDonagh

The Coming-In of Summer

Yesterday a swallow
Cuckoo-song to-day,
And anon will follow
All the flight of May,
For Summer is a-coming in.

Corncrake's ancient sorrow
Pains the evening hush,
But the dawn to-morrow
Gladdens with the thrush--
And Summer is a-coming in.

Oh! laburnum yellow,
Lilac and the rose,
Chestnut shadow mellow
In my garden-close,
And Summer, Summer coming in!

Lo, with shield and arrow,
Burnished helm and spear,
Flower and leaflet narrow
Rank on rank appear--
King Summer is a-coming in!

Summer, haste and hallow
Something of the Spring,
Which is harsh and callow
Till thy herald sing--
Oh! Summer is a-coming in!