Gypsies

(To R. B.)

Little gypsies of the city, Little sparrows--more’s the pity, Homeless, heedless of the weather, Happy, banding all together, Never giving thought to trouble, Never seeing evil double, Would that we who proudly mention Every honorable intention To the world with trumpet blaring, Could, like sparrows, take uncaring All the little earthly struggles, Cast them gypsy-like aside And fly happily, and gladly All about earth’s countryside.

Why do the birds chant the psalm of glory?

Only because they alone are free throated and unafraid. Do they realize the danger in the sling-shot of civilization? No--they are only conscious of the Joy within.

Why sing of Joy-- If Joy is to be unheard. Why sing of Faith, If Faith is to be barred. For all that is good Is forever alive, And all that is bad Is dead before it be born.