SNOW.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XIX, Issue 22, 27 February 1891, Page 31

SNOW.

MARY A. FORD (UNA).

Silently, slowly the flakes flutter down, Veiling the earth's sombre mantle of brown , Lightly they're drifting ia eddyiag whir Id, Crowning each bough with a chaplet of pearls. Boft as the down of an angel's white wing, Bright as the bloom of the hawthorn in spring, Pure gleaming crystals alight on the sod — Pearl blossoms blown from the gardens of God. Far are the folds of its white mantle spread, Muffling the sounds of the tempest king's t"ead ; Homestead and hamlet in pure beauty glow, Wrapt in the light, fleecy robe of the snow. Bright on the brow of the e&We veiled pine, Clusters of jewels the brilliant wreaths shine ; Hill-top and valley in calm slumber lie, Folded in drapery woven on high. Down through the city, its smoke and Us din, Lovely as charity covering sin, Float the white cloudlets to brighten, then rise, Mounting the sunbeams to soar to the skies. Heaven-born snow, thus the pure soul, like thee, Flits through the world, but from earth stains is free, Blesses and brightens where'er it may go, Beautifies earth like the crystals of snow. —New York Freeman.