The Storm—and After

A DEADLY lightning flash from out clear skies—
A thunder sound to split the ear of earth—
A moment’s pause, Death’s presence over all,
And then the gushing torrents of the rain!

The lightning flash, Assassination’s dart—
The thunder sound, the Anarch’s hollow roar;
The prize of death, the people’s chosen Head;
The rain that fell, a nation’s flood of tears.

When storms are past the bent flowers lift their heads,
And grains are newly strong that felt the rain.
So may our hearts, in after-bloom of peace,
Show forth the cleansing nourishment of grief!