03 February 2014

Humming Bird's Address to Its Captor

The following lines, by Miss Crosby, an inmate of the Institution for the Blind, were suggested by the capture of a humming bird, which flew in at a window of the institution, not long ago. It is scarcely needful to add that the intercession of the blind pleader was successful.

I know thou wouldst not harm me,
A little helpless thing;
For, Lady, with a gentle hand
Thou strok'st my glossy wing!
But do not keep me longer
A captive here to sigh,
My parent bower is lovely yet —
Oh, thither let me fly!
 
Thou canst not tame me. I was formed
As free as air to roam:
Though prisoned in a gilded cage.
It would not be my home.
My tiny wings would flutter,
Then I should droop and die;
For I love the laughing zephyr,
And the clear blue summer sky.
 
Dost think me happy while I sip
The fragrance from these flowers?
Alas! They but remind me
Of summer's by-gone hours!
I soon shall press their withered cheeks,
And feel their latest sigh;
My parent bower is lovely yet —
Oh, thither let me fly!
 
Dear Lady, for a moment
I'll rest upon thy hand
Then, bear away thy fond caress
To a fair distant land.
For I must leave, till spring return,
My native Northern sky —
To bid my parent bower adieu,
Sweet Lady! let me fly!
N.Y. Com. Advertiser.
October 21, 1847. The humming bird's address to its captor. Cambridge Chronicle 2(25): 4. Poet's corner feature.