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.

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Public Domain

Edith Matilda Thomas (1854-1925) was born in Chatham Center, Ohio. Her collections include Lyrics and Sonnets, The Inverted Touch, The Flower from the Ashes, A Winter Swallow and Fair Shadow Land. Although her poems are out of fashion today, they were popular and highly regarded in her lifetime. On her death she was called “one of the most distinguished American poets” by The New York Times.