Classic Poem

For Music

Sparrow, sparrow, calling clear
From the prison shadows,
Calling ere the dawn creeps here
From the silver meadows:

Answered saucily by ten, —
Startling us from slumbers,
Mockest thou unhappy men
Caged and tagg'd with numbers?

Singing in the leafy May
And in bleak December,
Wearied never, ever gay —
Who would not thee remember?

Art thou blithe as dost appear,
Choiring with the others?
Fearest thou no prison here?
Wouldst thou cage thy brothers?

Couriers art thou from abroad
Of a brighter morrow, —
Thoughts, hope-feather'd, flung from God
Into a world of sorrow?

Sparrow, sparrow, calling clear
From the prison shadows, —
Calling ere the dawn creeps here
From her silver meadows!