Answer to a Child's Question

1817

Do you ask what the birds say? The Sparrow, the Dove,The Linnet and Thrush say, "I love and I love!"In the winter they're silent—the wind is so strong;What it says, I don't know, but it sings a loud song.But green leaves, and blossoms, and sunny warm weather,And singing, and loving—all come back together.But the Lark is so brimful of gladness and love,The green fields below him, the blue sky above,That he sings, and he sings; and for ever sings he—"I love my Love, and my Love loves me!"

From Sibylline Leaves (1817), via the English Wikisource transcription.

Public domainThis poem is in the public domain. You may read it, copy it, recite it and publish it without asking anyone.