Classic Poem

Hark! do you hear that note, sustained and clear?
Come, look into the top of yonder tree!
No, higher — higher yet! There, do you see?
It is the Oriole, that's lighted here
To bring a bit of tropic splendor near, —
A vision of the warmth and brilliancy
Of southern coloring to you and me.
Now he is stirring! There's a gleam of sheer
Translucent flame, and he has flown away.
We welcome, do we not, our timid guest;
Upon our tallest elm, if he will stay,
He and his mate shall hang their hammock nest,
Where the light zephyrs, that forever sway
The pendent leaves, shall rock their babes to rest.