'Sadness in Spring'

Maytime, loveliest season,
Loud bird-parley, new growth green,
Ploughs in furrow, oxen yoked,
Emerald sea, land-hues dappled.

When cuckoos call from fair tree-tops
Greater grows my sorrow;
Stinging smoke, grief awake
For my kinsfolk's passing.

On hill, in vale, in ocean's isles,
Whichever way man goes,
Blest Christ there's no evading.

   -- Anonymous