The Thrush.Upon the prairie, thirsting for the showers The cactus-blooms and prickly poppies white, The fox-gloves and the pink-tinged thimble-flowers Drooped in the Lord's great light. Now suddenly, straight to the topmost spray Of a wild plum-tree (I thereunder lying) Darted a thrush and fifed his roundelay Whimsey on whimsey, not a stave denying. Quoth I: "From regions measureless miles away, He hears the soughing winds and rain-clouds flying; And gathering sounds my duller ears refuse, He sets the rills a-rush This way and that to ripple me the news (Right proud to have his little singing say!) And brings the Joy to pass with prophesying." So gladly trilled the thrush! Soon was I made aware Of his small mate that from the Judas-tree Dropped softly, flitting here and flitting there, And would not seem to hear or seem to see. He, in that upper air, All mindful of her wayward wandering, (Primrose and creamy-petaled larkspur bend- ing And yellow blossomed nettle, prone to sting!) Shook out his red-brown wings as for descend- ing But lightly settled back, the more to sing. "O bird!" I sighed, "thy heedless love befriending With that celestial song-burst__whirling swift As Phaeton's chariot-rush! Should my dear angel's voice so downward drift Quick would my music-lifted soul take wing!" Now had earth's happiest song a heavenly ending,__ Sped, with his mate, the thrush. __Amanda T. Jones. |
Sunflowers
Willard Wattles
(Lawrence: The World Company. 1914)
Pages 93-94
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