The sparrow's ditty

I hear the wild geese honking

From out the misty night, --

A sound of moving armies

On-sweeping in their might;

The river ice is drifting

Beneath their northward flight.

I hear the bluebird plaintive

From out the morning sky,

Or see his wings a-twinkle

That with the azure vie;

No other bird more welcome,

No more prophetic cry.

I hear the sparrow's ditty

Anear my study door;

A simple song of gladness

That winter days are o'er;

My heart is singing with him

I love him more and more.

I hear the starling fluting

His liquid "O-ka-lee;"

I hear the downy drumming,

His vernal reveillé;

From out the maple orchard

The nuthatch calls to me.

Oh, spring is surely coming,

Her couriers fill the air;

Each morn are new arrivals,

Each night her ways prepare;

I scent her fragrant garments,

Her foot is on the stair.