Within the damp and clinging earth,
Where darkness spans a world unseen,
An acorn dreamed; and, dreaming, saw
Blue skies and forests green.
It dreamed of light, where all was gloom;
It dreamed of strength, where none prevailed
Save that which held the dream, when dark
And threatening powers assailed.
It saw itself an oak, whose crest
From Morn's first blush a halo caught;
In whose broad boughs the weary birds
At eve a shelter sought.
And as in hopefulness it dreamed.
The unbelieving earth made room;
And, powerless to repress, did haste
To friendliness assume.
Thou, too, dream on, O Soul! and let
Not things which seem thy faith undo;
For All of Life concerns itself
To make thy dream come true.
