A Rainy Afternoon

Dark are the clouds that hide from longing eyes
The hills that glowed this morning with delight,
When the sun kindled height on shining height,
Pouring his splendor through the eastern skies.
From this dense gloom no Mounts of Vision rise,—
The day forgets the magic of the morn,—
Triumphant Darkness clothes itself with scorn,
And all Hope's auguries Despair defies.

Yet once again the sun shall gild the day,
And once again the sun-kissed hills be glad,
And the vexed Earth go on its ancient way
With all the old exultant joy it had;
And thou, faint heart, shall Darkness thee affright
While He still reigns who said, "Let there be light"?