Though cloudy skies, and northern blasts, <br />Retard the gentle spring awhile; <br />The sun will conqu'ror prove at last, <br />And nature wear a vernal smile. <br /> <br />The promise, which from age to age, <br />Has brought the changing seasons round; <br />Again shall calm the winter's rage, <br />Perfume the air, and paint the ground. <br /> <br />The virtue of that first command, <br />I know still does, and will prevail; <br />That while the earth itself shall stand, <br />The spring and summer shall not fail. <br /> <br />Such changes are for us decreed; <br />Believers have their winters too; <br />But spring shall certainly succeed, <br />And all their former life renew. <br /> <br />Winter and spring have each their use, <br />And each, in turn, his people know; <br />One kills the weeds their hearts produce, <br />The other makes their graces grow. <br /> <br />Though like dead trees awhile they seem, <br />Yet having life within their root, <br />The welcome spring's reviving beam <br />Draws forth their blossoms, leaves, and fruit. <br /> <br />But if the tree indeed be dead, <br />It feels no change, though spring return, <br />Its leafless naked, barren head, <br />Proclaims it only fit to burn. <br /> <br />Dear Lord, afford our souls a spring, <br />Thou know'st our winter has been long; <br />Shine forth, and warm our hearts to sing, <br />And thy rich grace shall be our song.<br /><br />John Newton<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/waiting-for-spring/
