Lyrics of Sunshine and Shadow/The Forest Greeting

by Paul Laurence Dunbar

For other versions of this work, see The Forest Greeting.

Layout 2

THE FOREST GREETING

GOOD hunting!—aye, good hunting,
 Wherever the forests call;
But ever a heart beats hot with fear,
 And what of the birds that fall?

Good hunting!—aye, good hunting,
 Wherever the north winds blow;
But what of the stag that calls for his mate?
 And what of the wounded doe?

Good hunting!—aye, good hunting,
 And ah! we are bold and strong;
But our triumph call through the forest hall
 Is a brother's funeral song.

For we are brothers ever,
 Panther and bird and bear;
Man and the weakest that fear his face,
 Born to the nest or lair.

Yes, brothers, and who shall judge us?
 Hunters and game are we;
But who gave the right for me to smite?
 Who boasts when he smiteth me?

Good hunting!—aye, good hunting,
 And dim is the forest track;
But the sportsman Death comes striding on:
 Brothers, the way is black.