Classic Poem

The Blackbird, the Blackbird was once of snowy white;
What gave the sooty Blackbird a coat as dark as night?

The Blackbird, the Blackbird had music in his throat;
What gave the croaking Blackbird a harsh, discordant note?

The Blackbird, the Blackbird had once a beak of red;
What gave the somber Blackbird a golden beak instead?
. . . . . . . .

The Blackbird, the Blackbird came out to greet the Spring;
He met a merry Magpie that bore a jeweled ring.

The Blackbird, the Blackbird would seek a gem as brave.
" I found it, " piped the Magpie, " within the Treasure Cave. "

The Blackbird, the Blackbird would learn where that might be.
" To westward, " sang the Magpie, " beyond the Opal Sea. "

The Blackbird, the Blackbird would know the cavern's lord.
" A Dragon, " chirped the Magpie, " protects the Golden Hoard. "

The Blackbird, the Blackbird would brave the Dragon's zeal.
" Be honest, " warned the Magpie, " and ask , but do not steal . "

The Blackbird, the Blackbird flew fast across the wave;
Within the Sable Mountain he found the Treasure Cave.

The Blackbird, the Blackbird went hopping down the floor;
The ransom of a kingdom was heaped in golden ore.

The Blackbird, the Blackbird forgot what he was told;
His thieving beak of crimson he dipped in dust of gold.

The Blackbird, the Blackbird fled forth in shrieking woe;
The Dragon of the Treasure came roaring from below!

The Blackbird, the Blackbird reached safety — but, alack!
The sulphur-breathing Dragon had scorched his plumage black!

The Blackbird, the Blackbird can never more rejoice;
That guilty cry of terror has marred his liquid voice.

The Blackbird, the Blackbird flies off in heavy shame;
The gold he would have stolen defiles his beak of flame!