Sympathy

Perched on the branch of a tree

Was a nightingale sad and lonely

"The night has drawn near", He was thinking

"I passed the day in flying around and feeding

How can I reach up to the nest

Darkness has enveloped everything"?

Hearing the nightingale wailing thus

A glow-worm lurking nearby spoke thus

"With my heart and soul ready to help I am

Though only an insignificant insect I am

Never mind if the night is dark

I shall shed light if the way is dark

God has bestowed a torch on me

He has given a shining lamp to me

The good in the world only those are

Ready to be useful to others who are

Explanatory Notes 1. William Cowper (1731-1800)- He was an English poet and letter writer. Quiet, reflective verse and hymns were his speciality. These attributes brought a new spirit into English poetry.