The Senses

Have you smelled the willows by the river's edge,
In spring when the trees unfold
Their fragrant leaves to the vagrant breezes
Releasing winter's hold?

Have you seen the hills turn from white to green
Then from green again to gold,
As the sunflowers nod from the sandy sod
Covered so thinly with mould?

Have you paused to drink from a cool mountain stream
And rested there by its side,
Where it rushed along with happy song
To join the river wide?

Perhaps as you've strayed through lush meadow land
You have heard the meadow lark call,
As he sings to his mate in the nest by the gate
There by the old stone wall.

If you've touched the earth at close of day
Akin to air and clad
If you've sensed these things and the joy each brings
You've clasped your hand with God.

By Elsie May Coats, 1931