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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


SIX MOVEMENTS; FOR MRS. EDWARD MACDOWELL: 1. NEIGHBORS by ALFRED FRANCIS KREYMBORG

First Line: BIRDS AREN'T PEOPLE ONE HAS TO WALK TO
Last Line: COMING LIKE LIGHTNING, GOING LIKE ARROWS.
Subject(s): BIRDS;

Birds aren't people one has to walk to:
Stay where you are, they'll come to you, talk too.

What's in gadding in search of a neighbour?
Far too much distance, much too much labour.

Chat about trifles, argue a season:
Surely you'll find no roots to grow trees on?

The dark, steep, long way back -- is it longer?
Wits any wiser, legs any stronger?

Sit them right here in this very place, swayed
By idleness eyeing a fiery parade

Of robins, swallows, thrushes, sparrows,
Coming like lightning, going like arrows.



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