16 Bird Day Book 



SPRING IN THE SOUTHLAND 



FROM a thicket in the corner of a zigzag fence, 

 Where the succulent pokeberry stalks uprear, 

 With sassafras and sumac in a wild growth dense, 



The blackberry blossoms thro' the brown rails peer ; 

 With dewdrops shining on their long white sprays. 



Where the yellow bee buzzes and the red bird flies, 

 They marvel at the world and its new found ways, 

 With innocent wonder in their wild, sweet eyes. 



Magnolias are white. 

 And roses are bright, 



And many there be that love them. 

 But with dewsprinkled faces. 

 And wild wood graces. 



Oh, the blackberry blooms are above them. 



Where the pine boughs are swinging, in the soft May breeze. 



And bumble bees are boasting of their spring tide gain, 

 And the mocking bird is singing out his happiest glees. 



To the cotton-tailed rabbit in the bend of the lane ; 

 They lean their faces on the moss-grown rails. 



And listen to the melody the mocking bird weaves ; 

 While the lizards go a-darting with their trembling tails, 



Like slim long shutters through the last year's leaves. 



Chrysanthemums are fair. 

 And orchids are rare. 



And many there be that love them, 

 But with dewsprinkled faces, 

 And wildwood graces. 



Oh, the blackberry blooms are above them. 



— Samuel Minium Peck. 



