Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, WHEN I COME SINGING, by ISABEL ECCLESTONE MACKAY


Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

WHEN I COME SINGING, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: I know a song that is all my own singing
Last Line: A song all my own. But I do—and it's growing!
Subject(s): Singing & Singers


I KNOW a Song that is all my own singing—
But the Birds and the Bees and the Wind and Bells ringing

Cry: "Where did you find it? It can't be a new one—
We know every song and we never gave you one!"

Droned the Bee with a bumble: "Is your song like mine is?
I lost one to-day on the hill where wild thyme is."

"And I," piped the Lark, "left one hid in the clover,
Perhaps your song is mine—will you please hum it over?"

"No need," tolled the Bell, "all intelligent people
Know a song is no song 'till it's rung from a steeple."

"Mine is!" snapped the Cricket, so cross his eyes glistened,
"I'm sure she hid under a grass-blade and listened!"

"Oh!" gurgled the Rain, "I am all pit-a-patter—
This stealing of songs is a serious matter!"

"Perhaps it was lent," lisped the Brook, "though I doubt it—
Let the child give it back and say no more about it."

"She has nothing to give!" spoke the Poplar, unbending,
"Pray pay no attention—the child's just pretending."

"Pretending or not!" boomed the Wind, "as the Leader
Of Madam Earth's Chorus I say we don't need her!"

Oh dear! They're so jealous! They don't like my knowing
A Song all my own. But I do—and it's growing!





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