SOME SMALL SURPRISES
We never foreknow, but our hearts were a-glow,
The hearts of Artena and I,
As we walked to and fro by the waters a-flow,
The waters in “the land of the sky.”
The children see true—they generally do—
The charming things all around;
I followed her view, and I presently knew
A Tanager’s nest was found.
The boys advanced, as soon as they glanced,
And down came the limb of a tree;
Thus fortune chanced, while little hearts danced,
With four wee fledglings to see.
With noisy protest, and tumult and zest,
The camera captured all four.
’Twas the parents’ sure test—they forsook the nest,
Though birdlings a-weeping sore!
I began to weep, in my heart quite deep,
When the babes kept up their cry;
I ran up the steep like a deer in a leap,
For the best bird food supply.
They reached and they tried; they ate and they cried,
Till the four had eaten their fill;
The mother aside still motherhood belied,
And the heart in me struggled still.
I learned in my youth, an old, new truth;
’Mongst men and beasts and birds,
Some grow uncouth, nor ever show ruth;
And for fools waste not your words.
Filled oft to the beak, as the days made a week,
The fledglings and I were friends,
And over the creek the folk came to speak
Of their beauty, their cuteness and ends.
And all the hearts right grew more tender and bright,
As the Tanagers grew apace;
And those of insight, said, “The birds have a right
To partake of our friendly grace.”