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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


SONNET: SONGS BEFORE DAYBREAK by CONSTANCE CAROLINE WOODHILL NADEN

First Line: THE BIRDS ARE SINGING, THOUGH IT IS NOT MORN
Last Line: AND IN ITS HARMONY THE WIND HAS PART.

THE birds are singing, though it is not morn,
Though in the east no rays of glory shine:
Made clear by hope, their eyes and hearts divine
That in the dusky twilight, day is born.
Trusting they carol, though the heavens warn
Their fearless joy with many a threatening sign;
Though, still untinged with gold, the clouds combine,
While moans the rain-fraught wind, a voice forlorn.

Yes, wake me with your warbling, happy birds,
That I may feel, before I see, the day;
That I may muse of hope, while in my heart
The notes translate themselves in gladsome words:
E'en plashing rain-drops mingle with your lay,
And in its harmony the wind has part.






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