Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE BUSH-SPARROW, by JOHN BURROUGHS


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE BUSH-SPARROW, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: In the bushy pastures
Last Line: And pays me every year.
Subject(s): Sparrows


In the bushy pastures
Ere April days are done,
Or 'long the forest border
Ere chewink had begun,
Is Spizella trilling
In notes that circling run
Like wavelets in the water
A-rippling in the sun.

A gentle, timid rustic
Who makes the dingle ring,
Or round about the orchard
Where bush and bier cling.
Most tuneful of the sparrows,
My bird with russet wing, --
A joy in early summer,
A thrill in early spring.

His coat has russet trimmings,
And russet in his crown;
Less bright and trim of feather
Than chippy, near the town;
A plainer country cousin,
With plainer country gown,
Who loves the warmth of summer,
But dreads the autumn's frown.

He hides in weeds vineyards
When August days are here,
And taps the purple clusters
For a bit of social cheer;
The boys have caught him at it,
The proof is fairly clear;
And still I bid him welcome,
The pilf'ring little dear;
He pays me off in music,
And pays me every year.





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