outside

Outside

by Hugh Chesterman


King Winter sat in his Hall one day,

And he said to himself, said he,

“I must admit I've had some fun,

I've chilled the Earth and cooled the Sun,

And not a flower or tree

But wishes that my reign were done,

And as long as Time and Tide shall run,

I'll go on making everyone

As cold as cold can be.”


There came a knock at the outer door:

“Who's there?” King Winter cried;

“Open your Palace Gate,” said Spring

“For you can reign no more as King,

Nor longer here abide;

This message from the Sun I bring,

‘The trees are green, the birds do sing;

The hills with joy are echoing’:

So pray, Sir—step outside!”