Why does it linger while the violets blow,

And sweet things grow?

A relic of long nights and weary days,

When all fair things were hidden from my sight;

A chill reminder of those mournful ways

I traversed when the fields were cold and white;

My life was dim, my hopes lay still and low

Beneath the snow.

Now spring is coming, and my buried love

Breaks fresh and strong and living through the sod;