Gray Lady and the Birds: Stories of the Bird Year for Home and School

by Mabel Osgood Wright

In gladness sang the Bobolink upon ascending wing,

With cheery voice the bird of blue, the pioneer of spring,

The Oriole upon the elm, with martial note and clear,

While Martins twittered gayly by the cottage window near.

Among the orchard trees were heard the Robin and the Wren,

And the army of the Blackbirds along the marshy fen;

The songster in the meadow and the Quail upon the wheat,

And the warbler’s minor music made the symphony complete.

Beyond the tow’ring chimney’d walls that daily meet my eyes,

I hold a vision beautiful beneath the summer skies;