Poems (Sharpless)/My Bird
MY BIRD
Speed thee away, my Bird! From all thy weary pain,'Tis not thy mother's love Would call thee back again. The clouds are gathering fast, And angry rolls are heardWhich bode the coming storm. Then haste away, sweet Bird!
Haste thee away to skies Where tempests never come,Where love eternal smiles In an unfading home.Speed, speed away, sweet Bird! Seek thou a happier spot;Leave me and speed away; Behold, I hold thee not!
What heed if tears will swell To these rebellious eyes?What heed if words of cheer Are checked by breaking sighs?What heed if vain regrets The mother's heart assail?The love I bear to thee O'er nature shall prevail.
O speed thee hence, while yet I feel my soul so strong:Take with thee smile and look That charmed my heart so long. Take with thee, sweet, thy wiles, That cheered me in my sorrow,My Angel Bird, whose eyes Gave new hope for each morrow.
Speed, speed away, ere thought Recalls me to my lot,And tells of lonely hours When I shall have thee not.Ere fancy pictures how At every turn I'll missThy little winning ways, Thy gentle, fond caress.
Take with thee all my hope, Built on thy future years;Frail hope, that like the frost In one night disappears.Speed, speed away, my Bird, A happier sphere to fill;I give her, God, to thee! My broken heart, be still!