Poetical Remains of the Late Mrs Hemans/On watching the Flight of a Sky-Lark
For other versions of this work, see Records of Passing Thought. IV. On Watching the Flight of a Skylark.
III.
ON WATCHING THE FLIGHT OF A SKY-LARK.
Upward and upward still!—in pearly light
The clouds are steeped; the vernal spirit sighs
With bliss in every wind, and crystal skies
Woo thee, O Birds! to thy celestial height;
Bird piercing Heaven with music! thy free flight
Hath meaning for all bosoms; most of all
For those wherein the rapture and the might
Of poesy lie deep, and strive, and burn,
For their high place: O Heirs of Genius! learn
From the sky's bird your way!—No joy may fill
Your hearts, no gift of holy strength be won
To bless your songs, ye Children of the Sun!
Save by the unswerving flight—upward and upward still!