Charles G. D. Roberts - Burnt Lands lyrics

On other fields and other scenes the morn Laughs from her blue,--but not such scenes as these, Where comes no cheer of summer leaves and bees, And no shade mitigates the day's white scorn. These serious acres vast no groves adorn; But giant trunks, bleak shapes that once were trees, Tow'r naked, una**uaged of rain or breeze, Their stern grey isolation grimly borne. The months roll over them and mark no change; But when spring stirs, or autumn stills, the year, Perchance some phantom leaf*ge rustles faint Through their parched dreams--some old-time notes ring strange, When, in his slender treble, far and clear, Reiterates the rain-bird his complaint.