From swiftly chilling nests, once gayly swung.
Unfathered broods! In vain with hunger-calls
They grieve through woeful hours the helpless air;
Unmothered nests! How cold the darkness falls
On harmless, tender heads, uncovered there.
They live the painful night and feebly stir
At dawn; with famine shine the golden eyes;
They gape their mouths and seem to hear the whir
Of mother-wings speed past through empty skies.
And no more piteous sight the sun may see