IN shining groups, each stem a pearly ray, br Weird flecks of light within the shadowed wood, br They dwell aloof, a spotless sisterhood. br No Angelus, except the wild bird's lay, br Awakes these forest nuns; yet night and day br Their heads are bent, as if in prayerful mood. br A touch will mar their snow, and tempests rude br Defile; but in the mist fresh blossoms stray br From spirit-gardens just beyond our ken. br Each year we seek their virgin haunts, to look br Upon new loveliness, and watch again br Their shy devotions near the singing brook; br Then, mingling in the dizzy stir of men, br Forget the vows made in that cloistered nook.