The Weakest Thing

by Elizabeth Barrett Browning

    Which is the weakest thing of all
    Mine heart can ponder?
    The sun, a little cloud can pall
    With darkness yonder?
    The cloud, a little wind can move
    Where'er it listeth?
    The wind, a little leaf above,
    Though sere, resisteth?

    What time that yellow leaf was green,
    My days were gladder;
    But now, whatever Spring may mean,
    I must grow sadder.
    Ah me! a leaf with sighs can wring
    My lips asunder
    Then is mine heart the weakest thing
    Itself can ponder.

    Yet, Heart, when sun and cloud are pined
    And drop together,
    And at a blast, which is not wind,
    The forests wither,
    Thou, from the darkening deathly curse
    To glory breakest,
    The Strongest of the universe
    Guarding the weakest!