Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE PROMISE, by KATHARINE SPRINGER


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE PROMISE, by                    
First Line: Across the way my neighbor's gardens grow
Last Line: So promises heaven we shall rejoin our friends.
Subject(s): Friendship; Trust


Across the way my neighbor's gardens grow—
A treasury of lovely, brilliant things;
Not primly planted—formal row on row,
Here glowing poppies bend, there fairy trumpets blow,
Blue iris lifts her stately head near pansies blooming low,
Beyond are tulip cups, fit to hold wine for kings.

Scarce tended, still their banners wave, bright, gay,
As though they know their mission is to cheer.
Radiant their corner when the skies are gray,
Reflecting sunshine of a brighter day;
"Be of good heart!" Their message seems to say,
"We have returned to mark another year!

"There was a season when we lay asleep,
Our colors vanished, our sweet fragrance gone,
Folded our petals 'neath snow's covering deep,
Only to rest—Did not your memory keep
The picture of our bloom and so forbear to weep,
Knowing we would return with vernal sun?"

Waking and with us, though beyond our sight!
Dear, bright-hued couriers of life that never ends!
You were awhile withheld from mortal sight—
Your faith endured throughout that long dark night,
You teach us: "Trust!" Until the morning light!
So promises heaven we shall rejoin our friends.





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