THE WINGED TOURISTS
It is time to be revived,
And the tourists have arrived,
The Robins from the land of snow and ice,
By the score and by the hundred;
So many that I’ve wondered
Where plenteous food could be, and paradise.
But listen to their cheering,
For there’s no profiteering,
In mulberry and stately cabbage palm;
Instead the trees would say:
“We’re ready for this day,
And welcome birds and people to our balm.
“We’ve endured the blazing sun,
Through the summer for the fun
Of freest song and abundant feasting fine;
While you yourselves employ,
In song and sumptuous joy,
Remember we are drinking Heaven’s wine.
“’Tis better far to live,
That we may freely give—
Far better and more God-like in us all.
See Black-birds fly around,
Alighting on the ground,
While the Mocking-birds’ hosannahs loudly call.
“And yonder in the waters free,
Blue Herons and white Egrets see;
Thus far have they escaped the tyrant, Pride.
The Ducks are diving for their food,
And, hit or miss, they still are good—
In all no groom unfriendly to his bride!
“The Cardinal and Wren,
From farthest hill and glen,
Have joined the busy Downy in a tree;
While other birds delight
In song from morn till night—
Come, sing aloud and join our jubilee!”