Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, TO A WOUNDED SEA BIRD, by JOHN NICOL


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

TO A WOUNDED SEA BIRD, by                    
First Line: I saw it in its beauty - in its freedom as it flew
Last Line: And build your nests upon the crags -- you're ever safe for me.
Subject(s): Birds; Hunting; Hunters


I SAW it in its beauty -- in its freedom as it flew,
Like a snowflake from the heavens, o'er the waters, deep and blue;
And it left the clouds behind it, for the tempest was its way,
As it darted like an arrow through the pyramids of spray.

It rose above the mountain -- it vanish'd in the deep,
And circled round the beacon, like a sickle set to reap.
It piped above the village, then hasten'd through the foam,
To meet the wave-toss'd mariner, and bid him welcome home.

I heard a musket rattle, and I saw a wreath of smoke,
And saw a treach'rous human form uprise behind a rock;
And with a clutch victorious, he grasp'd the helpless thing --
That flutter'd on the shingle, with bleeding, broken wing.

This "lord of the creation" I curse not, nor despise --
But pity much his cruel heart, and envy not his prize,
Go, fly, ye pretty sea birds! go, fly upon the sea!
And build your nests upon the crags -- you're ever safe for me.





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