BIRDS

I lie beneath a dark green pine

Where sunbeams scarcely ever shine,

And if I'm still as still can be

Shy forest birds come down to me.

Brown thrushes run along the ground,

Goldfinches flit without a sound,

And humming-birds with ruby throats

Alight to smooth their emerald coats.

And when some day alone I lie

Beneath the ever-changing sky,

I'm glad to know the birds will come

To welcome me to my new home.

For I will lie so still that they

Will linger by me all the day,

And lulled at evening by their song

I shall not find the darkness long.