The lake is like a giant saucer; <br />Beyond-a gathering of clouds; <br />Like stern and dazzling mountain-ranges <br />Their massif the horizon crowds. <br /> <br />And with the light that swiftly changes, <br />The landscape never stays the same. <br />One moment clad in sooty shadows, <br />The next-the woods are all aflame. <br /> <br />When, after days of rainy weather, <br />The heavy curtain is withdrawn, <br />How festive is the sky, burst open! <br />How full of triumph is the lawn! <br /> <br />The wind dies down, the distance lightens, <br />And sunshine spreads upon the grass; <br />The steaming foliage is translucent <br />Like figures in stained-window glass. <br /> <br />Thus from the church's narrow windows <br />In glimmering crowns, on spreading wings <br />Gaze into time in sleepless vigil <br />Saints, hermits, prophets, angels, kings. <br /> <br />The whole wide world is a cathedral; <br />I stand inside, the air is calm, <br />And from afar at times there reaches <br />My ear the echo of a psalm. <br /> <br />World, Nature, Universe's Essence, <br />With secret trembling, to the end, <br />I will thy long and moving service <br />In tears of happiness attend.<br /><br />Boris Pasternak<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/when-it-clears-up/
