The Blue Jay 
Clad in blue with snow-white trimmings, 
Clean and smooth in every feather, 
Plumed and crested like a dandy, 
Keen of vision, strong of muscle. 
Shrewd in mimicry and dodging. 
Knowing every copse and thicket. 
Warm in snow and cool in summer. 
Is the blue jay still a villain ? 
Outlawed by all bird tribunals. 
As a wretch disguised, he's branded, 
Shunned by every feathered creature ; 
Yet he prospers, man admires him. 
Through the tedious months of winter 
Round the corn-barn's step he lingers, 
Boldly down among the poultry 
Comes he to secure their kernels ; 
Through the barb'ries, through the 
cedars, 
Prowls he searching for their berries ; 
In the spruces, in the hemlocks. 
Cocoons from the bark detaching. 
