Song of the Whippoorwill 



BY GARRETT NEWKIRK 



" I am a bird misunderstood, 

 So-called the Whippoorwill; 

 One always trying to be good, 

 With reputation ill. 



" For people say that when I speak 

 I am to William bad; 

 That every night I only seek 

 To punish that poor lad. 



" Now I love William just the same 

 As 1 do John or Jim ; 

 And never think of laying blame 

 Or wishing harm to him. 



" And when you hear my plaintive call 

 While hours are growing late; 

 I'm thinking not of him at all 

 But crying to my mate : 

 'Fear no ill, 

 " When darkness comes upon the sky, Keep you still, 



I take my searching flight, Come I will.' 



For moths and beetles as they fly. 

 Above the earth at night. 



" Then while at intervals I rest 

 Upon a rock or rail; 

 To comfort her I think it best 

 My loving wife to hail: 

 ' Fear no ill. 

 Keep you still. 

 Come I will.' " 

 (107) 



