Penguins are birds with shon wings, which IcMDk as if they were tied or 

 pinioned to their sides — the old word for pinioned was pinwinged. and from this 

 the birds get their names. 



The name albatross comes from the Arabic ''al cadros,*' a bucket — it refers 

 to the pouch in the necks of birds of this family in which they were supposed to 

 carry water to their young in the desert. 



Donda, a Portuguese word meaning simpleton, is the origin of the name of 

 the bird dodo. The loon is said to get its name from its clumsy walk and its 

 stupidity — so you see that you have to mind your manners even if you are a bird. 



To the Robin 



By Thomas Baird 



(Suggested by hearing a robin singing in an Oak Park back yard at dawn on 

 the first day of spring. With apologies to Shelley ). 



Robin pouring gladness 



On the dawn of spring, 

 Driving out my sadness 



By the song you sing. 

 Before your cheerful matin, my doubts have taken wing. 



Songster of the morning 



In the chestnut tree 

 Close beside my cottage, 



Trilling merrily. 

 What an inspiration is your melody to nie I 



Where, my joyful teacher. 



Did you learn your song? 

 Xo such hopeful preacher 



As you. has lived among 

 Us dull-wined mortals amid the human throng. 



That ''melodious madness" 



In your morning lay 

 Weaves a note of gladness 

 In our somber day — 

 An echo of the music that's flung along our way. 



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