And goes and flaps with all his might

So crimson-booted, silver-white,

And best she worked, the mother hinted,

When he had sticks and straws unstinted.

Each fall he goes, the habit keeping,

But seen each spring again on roof,

From there o’er house and garden peeping;

And can I judge, or take as proof

The children I have seen there playing,

Full often has the stork been straying