I know it must be winter (though I sleep) -- br I know it must be winter, for I dream br I dip my bare feet in the running stream, br And flowers are many, and the grass grows deep. br br I know I must be old (how age deceives!) br I know I must be old, for, all unseen, br My heart grows young, as autumn fields grow green, br When late rains patter on the falling sheaves. br br I know I must be tired (and tired souls err) -- br I know I must be tired, for all my soul br To deeds of daring beats a glad, faint roll, br As storms the riven pine to music stir. br br I know I must be dying (Death draws near) -- br I know I must be dying, for I crave br Life -- life, strong life, and think not of the grave, br And turf-bound silence, in the frosty year.