A Tree in the City

Courageous runner from some distant wood,
Bearing the news of spring’s bright victory!
So must the proud Pheidippides have stood,
Quivering to tell that Athens was still free.

Praise to the god that let you reach our walls
And cry us to the street with your glad voice.
O, we have waited long for one who calls:
“Spring stands triumphant on the hills—rejoice!”