Read the poem.

excerpt from “spring”
by christina rossetti

frost-locked all the winter,

seeds, and roots, and stones of fruits,

what shall make their sap ascend

that they may put forth shoots?

tips of tender green,

leaf, or blade, or sheath;

telling of the hidden life

that breaks forth underneath,

life nursed in its grave by death.

which word best describes the tone revealed by the imagery in these lines from the poem?

leaf, or blade, or sheath;
telling of the hidden life
that breaks forth underneath,

calm

sentimental

respectful

hopeful