Ii

It stands so lonely in the sky The sparrows never come anigh, 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.