THE KINGFISHER 
ARK ! What sound disturbs the 
stillness 
Of the forest, of the meadow ? 
Harsh the notes, a wild alarum, 
Waking echoes from the ledges, 
Mocking laughter from the hemlocks. 
Hark ! it nearer comes and rattles, 
Like the hail upon the grape leaves, 
Like cold rain upon the cornfield. 
From the clear Chocorua water 
Slowly slips the wasting ice-sheet. 
In the space reclaimed from winter 
Pale blue skies are seen reflected, 
I And the sleeping lion's profile 
From among them gleams majestic. 
See, reflections calm are broken, 
Waves arise and lap the ice-sheet, 
