<h2><SPAN name="THE_SLEET" id="THE_SLEET" />THE SLEET</h2>
<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
<span>Regal the earth seems with diamonds today,<br/></span>
<span>Gemming all nature in blazing array;<br/></span>
<span>A picture more fairy-like never could be<br/></span>
<span>Than this wonderful icicle filigree.<br/></span></div>
<div class="stanza">
<span>A crystallized world! What a marvelous sight,<br/></span>
<span>Gorgeous and grand in the March sunlight!<br/></span>
<span>The frost-king magician has changed the spring showers<br/></span>
<span>To turquois and topaz and sapphire bowers.<br/></span></div>
<div class="stanza">
<span>And what is the lesson we learn from the sleet,<br/></span>
<span>As toiling life's road with wearying feet,<br/></span>
<span>Upward we strive, but failing so oft<br/></span>
<span>In the struggles that bear us aright and aloft?<br/></span></div>
<div class="stanza">
<span>'Tis this—that the hard breath of winter's chill blast<br/></span>
<span>Alone can this mantle of loveliness cast;<br/></span>
<span>And thus our sharp winds of trial may prove<br/></span>
<span>Angels to weave us bright garments of love.<br/></span></div>
</div>
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