To a Bird in Winter

By C.D. Beers.

Lonely bird! what doest thou here?

The sky is dark and the storm is drear;

Hast thou no shelter, no downy nest

Where with thy brood thou canst sweetly rest?

Hast thou no thought

That the raging storm with ill is fraught!

 

Where are thy fellows? or art thou left

Alone — of thy joyous mates bereft?

Or have they sought some sunny clime

To revel among the fragrant thyme

That yields it sweet

To the gentle touch of their tiny feet?

 

Thou'rt welcome to stay! thy plumage bright,

Like a summer sunbeam, gladdens our sight :

Ay, welcome to stay through the winter long,

To cheer its oft with thy chirp and song;

Here's shelter for thee,

Sweet bird! 'till the leaf is on the tree.

March 5, 1846. Vermont Watchman and State Journal 40(16): 1.