Classic Poem

I.

Swift o'er the sunny grass,
I saw a shadow pass
With subtle charm;
So quick, so full of life,
With thrilling joy so rife,
I started lest, unknown,
My step — ere it was flown —
Had done it harm.

II.

Why look up to the blue?
The bird was gone, I knew,
Far out of sight.
Steady and keen of wing,
The slight, impassioned thing,
Intent on a goal unknown,
Had held its course alone
In silent flight.

III.

Dear little bird, and fleet,
Flinging down at my feet
Shadow for song:
More sure am I of thee —
Unseen, unheard by me —
Than of some things felt and known,
And guarded as my own,
All my life long.