"Today I will feel the sun's mirth," says the Earth,
"And welcome it with my banking girth."

"Today I will warm the Earth, and to the Winter I will shun," shines the Sun,
"And make the frozen rivers run."

"Today I will break," whispers the Lake,
"And the grass green, I will make."

"Today I will awaken from the icy glass," groans the Grass,
"And watch the snow banks as they pass."

"Today my branches will unfurl unto thee," spoke the Tree,
"And shake off the snow from me."

"Today I will sing another word," twittered the Bird,
"As will two more, and a third."

"Today I will sit as the branches unfurl," chittered the Squirrel,
"And watch the Fox carefully below, laughing at him twirl."

"Today I will look for the flocks," snickered the Fox,
"And stalk them on the drying rocks."

"Today I will watch, my eye very leer," wavered the Deer.
"The threat of strangers is still unclear."

"Today I will rise and stare," moaned the Bear.
"In sleepiness I will look upon the Earth, still bare."

"Today we will awaken when the first rain showers," pried the Flowers.
"From the Earth we will spring at His appointed hour."

"Be careful now, for I may come to blow," warned the Snow.
"I think this you should know."

"I may come to pass, my breath a giant splinter," howled the Winter.
"For I may again bleach the Earth, for I am the great Tinter."