Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, SINGING LESSON, by JEAN INGELOW


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SINGING LESSON, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: A nightingale made a mistake
Subject(s): Birds; Nightingales


A NIGHTINGALE made a mistake;
- She sang a few notes out of tune;
Her heart was ready to break,
#NAME?
She wrung her claws, poor thing!
- But was far too proud to weep;
She tucked her head under her wing,
#NAME?


A lark, arm in arm with a thrush,
- Came sauntering up to the place;
The nightingale felt herself blush,
#NAME?
She knew they had heard her song,
- She felt them snicker and sneer;
She thought that life was too long,
#NAME?


Oh, Nightingale, cooed a dove -
- " Oh, Nightingale, what's the use?
You bird of beauty and love,
#NAME?
Don't skulk away from our sight,
- Like a common, contemptible fowl;
You bird of joy and delight,
#NAME?


Only think of all you have done,
- Only think of all you can do;
A false note is really fun
- From such a bird as you!
Lift up your proud little crest,
- Open your musical beak;
Other birds have to do their best -
- You need only to speak. "


The nightingale shyly took
- Her head from under her wing,
And, giving the dove a look,
#NAME?
There was never a bird could pass;
- The night was divinely calm,
And the people stood on the grass
#NAME?


The nightingale did not care;
- She only sang to the skies;
Her song ascended there,
#NAME?
The people that stood below
- She knew but little about;
And this tale has a moral, I know,
- If you'll try to find it out.






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