Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, TO A BIRD, by FREDERIC ROWLAND MARVIN



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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

TO A BIRD, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Bird upon the leafy tree-top
Last Line: While I listen to the song.
Subject(s): Animals; Birds; Singing & Singers; Wings


BIRD upon the leafy tree-top,
'Mid the bending buds of Spring,
With the golden sunlight painted
Strangely on thy folded wing,

With the blue of heaven entwinèd
Round thy soft and slender throat,
Trembling like a thing affrighted,
With each sweet and gentle not—

Bird of beauty, free and happy,
Singing all the glad day long,
Is there aught of wrong or sorrow
In thy world of flowers and song?

Are there dreams of years departed,
Hopes that come not back again;—
Are there loves that fade and darken—
Joys that vanish into pain?

Tell me if the same sweet music
Makes thee happy all thy way,
If no night of pain or sorrow
Mar the blessedness of day.

Not a word to me thou speakest
Thought I patient wait, and long;
Still with trembling throat thou singest,
While I listen to the song.





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