12 Bird Day Book 



THE REDWING 



I HEAR you, Brother, I hear you, 

 Down in the alder swamp, 

 Springing your woodland whistle 

 To herald the April romp ! 



First of the moving vanguard, 

 In front of the spring you come, 



Where flooded waters sparkle, 

 And streams in the twilight hum. 



You sound the note of the chorus 

 By meadow and woodland pond, 



Til, one after one up-piping, 

 A myriad throats respond. 



I see you, Brother, I see you, 



With scarlet under young wing, 

 Flash through the ruddy maples, 



Leading the pageant of spring. 



Earth has put off her raiment 



Wintry and worn and old, 

 For the robe of a fair young sibyl, 



Dancing in green and gold. 



I heed you, Brother. Tomorrow 



I, too, in the great employ, 

 Will shed my old coat of sorrow 

 For a brand new garment of joy. 

 — Bliss Carman. 



