THE REDBIRD

Swept lightly by the south wind

The elm leaves softly stirred,

And in their pale green clusters

There straightway bloomed a bird!

His glossy feathers glistened

With dyes as richly red

As any tulip flaming

From out the garden bed.

But ah, unlike the tulips,

In joyous strain, ere long,

This redbird flower unfolded

A heart of golden song!