Poems (Schiller)/What I love (I love the little birds)
For works with similar titles, see What I love.
WHAT I LOVE
I love the little birds That flit among the flowers,That sing their songs of praise Through all the summer hours.
I love the little lamb That in the meadow plays,I love to see it run around And watch its antic ways.
I love the murmuring brook That ripples on its course,I love to think how it was formed And wonder at its source.
I love the little violet That hangs its drooping head,And wonder why it does not rise Above its humble bed.
I love to see the mountain That rears its proud headAbove the objects on the earth It seems as though it said,
"I do not want to stay with you, Poor insignificant thingsOf earth, I fain would fly To the clouds; would I had wings!"
What a contrast between the violet And the mountains you may see.The mountains teach us wicked pride, The violet, humility.(Aged 13 years.]