4530640Poems — Birds in summerBernice Margaret Bradford

BIRDS IN SUMMER.
THE ORIOLE.

On the topmost twig of the tall elm tree,
The oriole sits and flutters and sings;
His little heart bubbles over in glee,
And far and wide through the welkin rings
The liquid melody of his note,
And these the words he is singing sweet,
"Peter, peter, peter, pete."

THE SCARLET TANAGER.

A dart of flame beneath the sky;
A whir of wings as he dashes by;
A flood of notes from the telephone wire;
The red-bird's song like his coat, a fire.

THE SWALLOW.

Swallow, swallow, flying low,
Whither dost thou swallow go?
Through the twilight pale and wan,
Whither has the swallow gone?
To the chimney deep and wide,
Where the baby swallows hide.
From its cavern dark and deep,
Comes their cheerful "Cheep! cheep! cheep!"