Page:Morning-Glories and Other Stories.djvu/178

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PEEP! PEEP! PEEP!


Oh! merry is the life
   Of a beach-bird free,
Dwelling by the side
   Of the sounding sea,—
Where the little children
   Chase us as we go;
Where the pretty shells
   Murmur sweet and low;
Where the old folk sit,
   Basking in the sun;
Where the fisher-folk
   Rest when work is done.
"Peep! Peep! Peep!" we say,
   Tripping to and fro
On the pebbly shore,
   Where the ripples flow.

Oh! merry is the life
   Of a beach-bird free,
Building our nests
   By the sounding sea,
Seeking daily food,
   And feeding with care
The dear little ones
   Safely hidden there,
Teaching them to fly
   Boldly o'er the sea,—
On the weak wings they
   Flutter timidly.

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