Lesson lyrics

In early April the trees

end their winter waiting

with a creep of green on branches.

In early October the trees

listen for a wind crying,

for leaves whirling.

The face of the river by night

holds a scatter of stars

and the silence of summer blossoms

falling to the moving water.

Come clean with a child heart.

Laugh as peaches in the summer wind.

Let rain on a house roof be a song.

Let the writing on your face

be a smell of apple orchards in late June.

• Artist:Carl Sandburg