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LIKE TO A SONGLESS BIRD
Like to a songless bird that swings
  On a high branch, and thrills to hear
How the deep-hearted forest rings
  With melody enchanting clear,

And vainly swells his throat to wake
  A song as pure as these that fill
The wood, and every echo shake,
  Whilst he alone is dumb and still.

So, thrilling to the music dear
  Since the first song woke, low and sweet;
To purest sound I bend my ear,
  And with my heart the rhythms beat;

Until the palpitating Past
  With melody becometh rife;
With parted lips and hands locked fast
  I hear the songs of Love and Life.