And the grass is melted to embers,

Whirled high on the parching gale.

As strong as the ocean's billows,

As fierce as the blizzard's breath,

Is aught in Nature that may withstand

The league-long sweep of this scorching brand

That clutters the plains with death?

Ahead is a waiting darkness,

A shadow athwart the glare,

And the wild things have turned them to it,