Light and Dark

As trees that grow along the waterside,
However stiff and stately be their kind,
Forego their nature, put away all pride
And bend their lofty heads before the wind
Of spring, erect thro' winter's; while a voice
From the mild ripples charms their branches down,
Branches and ripples each in each rejoice,
And these forget to swell and those to frown;
So does that grave stern man before you now
Lose all his harshness while you sing or speak.
Methinks I see shot upward on his brow,
The tender radiance of your virgin cheek.