Birds in the City - An 1859 California Poem
By Mrs. C.A. Chamberlain. Sacramento, June 1st, 1859. For the Union.
- Rovers of earth and air, why here abide?
- Bright, blessful ones, how can you here find rest,
- Where little lovely is, and less is blest,
- 'Midst this vexed human tide?
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- Why pour your sweet songs here amidst the din,
- Unfettered ones, here where the fainting air
- Seems shrinking from the burden it must bear,
- As conscience shrinks from sin?
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- Nature has many places formed for you,
- Where ye may give your lays of love and bliss,
- Amidst a fairer, happier life than this,
- 'Midst sympathy most true.
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- Flee to those shades undimm'd by human stain,
- Where Earth, in lovely garniture of green,
- Breathes thrilling whispers of the Great Serene
- Through every floral vein.
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- Or seek the city haunted not by care
- The quiet city, where they strive no more,
- Your strains of life around the still ones pour
- Listeners may wait you there!
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- Yet, if your song wins 'midst the thronged way,
- One brief, sad smile, that tells of other hours,
- The early home, and melody and flowers,
- E'en for that smile's sake stay!
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- Yet stay if here one weary, aching breast,
- that has of life but little save its wrong,
- Amidst its gloom, is waiting for your song
- To lull its woes to rest!
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- Ye follow man where he a home doth find,
- Pouring your music freely round his way,
- And ask not if he listens to the lay
- Thus should the poet mind.
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- Sing 'midst life's discord sing, for love's sweet sake,
- Though few may seem to listen to the sound,
- The strains may play some weary heart around,
- Hopes drooping flowers to wake.
June 4, 1859. Sacramento Daily Union 17(2555): 8.