Bird Seed 
To a friend and neighbor, who is fond of birds, but at a distance. 
Since you refuse the invitation 
To view my feathery delegation 
That wings abroad each blessed day 
To splash your ropes and wash poles gray, 
A picture of this bugaboo 
Instead I’ll draw and send to you, 
So when again our friends come round 
You’ll know them by their good back- 
ground. 
Note well the mansion in yon tree 
Looms high so all may plainly see 
That food and shelter here abide 
For all that would be satisfied ; 
The heedless ones that too long tarried 
In northern climes and now are harried 
By sleet and storm that blind their eyes 
As on they wing toward sunny skies; 
The lofty ones, in brilliant glow, 
The meek and lowly, twins of woe, 
The migrant, off to downy bed, SK 
The scorned, no where to lay his head; 
All these are welcome in this fold 
If they be hungry, worn or cold. 
You ask, “What is the chimney for, 
From which one sees no vapor pour?” 
To some ’tis but an ornament, 
But me, it soothes to some extent. 
For when I see that chimney mast 
Outstanding mid grim Winter’s blast, 
Like some kind, friendly, beckoning 
hand 
Above the snow clad roof and land; ee ieee / 
Or when through frosted window pane Cla ge YH ce 
I try to peer, but all in vain a he TH ee tn 
Till in a spot my breath made bare Tae ce M 
I see, besides that beacon there, 
A flock of birds—a score or more, 
All feeding at the open door 
Beneath that chimney’s flueless bore 
Thru’ which no smoke but blessings pour! 
"Tis then I feel some mystic Power 
Stands likewise watchful for that hour 
When the wants of man or beast or bird 
Above earth’s tumult shall be heard. 
G. W. RISLEY, Park Ridge, IIl. 
3| 
