Don’t kill the birds, the happy birds

That cheer the field and grove;

Such harmless things to look upon,

They claim our warmest love.


ANSWER TO A CHILD’S QUESTION

Do you ask what the birds say? The sparrow, the dove,

The linnet and thrush say, “I love and I love!”

In the winter they’re silent, the wind is so strong;

What it says I don’t know, but it sings a loud song.