Early on a pleasant day In the poet's month of May Field and forest looked so fair, So refreshing was the air, That in spite of morning dew, Forth I walked where tangling grew Many a thorn and breezy bush; When the redbreast and the thrush Gayly raised their early lay, Thankful for returning day. Every thicket, bush, and tree Swelled with grateful harmony; As it mildly swept along, Echo seemed to catch the song; But the plain was wide and clear Echo never whispered near; From a neighboring mocking- bird Came the answering notes I heard. Soft and low the song began I scarcely caught it as it ran Through the melancholy trill Of the plaintive whip-poor-will; Through the ring-dove's gentle wail, Chattering jay and whistling quail, Sparrow's twitter, catbird's cry, Redbreast's whistle, robin's sigh; Blackbird, bluebird, swallow, lark, Each his native note might mark. Oft he tried the lesson o'er, Each time louder than before; Burst at length the finished song, Loud and clear it poured along; All the choir in silence heard, Hushed before this wondrous bird. All transported and amazed, Scarcely breathing, long I gazed. Now it reached the loudest swell; Lower, lower, now it fell , Lower, lower, lower still, Scarce it sounded o'er the rill, Now the warbler ceased to sing; Then he spread his russet wing, And I saw him take his flight, Other regions to delight | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...IN THE GARDEN AT THE DAWN HOUR by EDGAR LEE MASTERS TO MY BOOKS by CAROLINE ELIZABETH SARAH SHERIDAN NORTON ON A FLY DRINKING FROM HIS CUP by WILLIAM OLDYS MONNA INNOMINATA, A SONNET OF SONNETS: 6 by CHRISTINA GEORGINA ROSSETTI I HAVE PRAYED by JOHANNA AMBROSIUS |