Classic Poem

To a Canary

I sometimes think that thou wert sent
In answer to my prayer,
That God would send, with kind intent,
A friend my home to share.

In lonely hours of grief and pain,
At times has come to me
A tender waft from thy sweet strain,
Akin to sympathy.

When dire misfortune comes apace,
With its persistent sting,
I wipe the tears from off my face,
And laugh to hear thee sing.

And that thou canst so loud and clear
Before thy wounds are healed,
Shows that a heart devoid of fear
Is in that small breast sealed.

But though I soothed a starveling's pain,
And bound a broken wing,
I did not mean that ne'er again
In freedom thou shouldst sing;

So back to where thy wood-mates throng,
Go, birdie, and be free;
For thy sweet services of song.
Take now — thy liberty.English