II

It stands so lonely in the sky

The sparrows never come thereby,

The glossy starlings seldom stop

To preen and chatter on the top.

For a whole week sometimes up there

No wing-wave stirs the quiet air,

The roof lies silent and serene

As though no life had ever been;

Till some bright afternoon, athwart

The edge two sudden shadows dart,

And two white pigeons with pink feet

Flutter above and pitch on it.

Jerking their necks out as they walk

They talk awhile their pigeon-talk,

A low continuous murmur blent

Of mock reproaches and content.

Then cease, and sit there warm and white

An hour, till in the fading light

They wake, and know the close of day,

Flutter above, and fly away,

Leaving the roof whereon they sat

As‘ twas before, a peaceful flat

Expanse, as silent and serene

As though no life had ever been.