The First Red-Bird

I heard a song at daybreak, So honey-sweet and clear, The essence of all joyous things Seemed mingling in its cheer.

The frosty world about me I searched with eager gaze, But all was slumber-bound and wrapped In violet-tinted haze.

Then suddenly a sunbeam Shot slanting o'er the hill, And once again from out the sky I heard that honied trill.

And there upon a poplar, Poised at its topmost height, I saw a little singer clad In scarlet plumage bright.

The poplar branches quivered, By dawn winds lightly blown, And like a breeze-swept poppy-flower The red-bird rocked and shone.

The blue sky, and his feathers Flashed o'er by golden light, Oh, all my heart with rapture thrilled, It was so sweet a sight!