I sought adventure's path when twilight came, And aspens cast their shadows down the trail. I trod with care that I might never maim A flower that strove to cling with grip so frail. I heard the song of wind among the trees Where fields of iris banked along the hill Like armies -- robed in purple coats -- at ease, Then through the dusk the call of whippoorwill. Nostalgia -- sharp and gripping -- came to me, With hopeless urge to share this wonderland, But when, disconsolate, I turned to flee A starling planed, and gently touched my hand! A glory soft and radiant filled the wood, A whistling bird had taught me brotherhood! |