The Weakest Thing

by Elizabeth Barrett Browning

I.

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

II.

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.

III.

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!