THE CHICKADEE

Black-cap, madcap,

Never tired of play,

What's the news to-day?

“Faint-heart, faint-heart,

Winter's coming up this way,

And the winter comes to stay!”

Black-cap, madcap,

Whither will you go,

Now the storm-winds blow?

“Faint-heart, faint-heart,

In the pine boughs, thick and low,

We are sheltered from the snow!”

Black-cap, madcap,

In the snow and sleet,

What have you to eat?

“Faint-heart, faint-heart,

Seeds and berries are a treat,

When the frost has made them sweet!”

Black-cap, madcap,

Other birds have flown

To a summer zone!

“Faint-heart, faint-heart,

When they're gone, we black-caps own

Our white playground all alone!”