Classic Poem

T HEY'LL come again to the apple tree—
—Robin and all the rest—
When the orchard branches are fair to see,
—In the snow of the blossoms dressed;
And the prettiest thing in the world will be
—The building of the nest.

Weaving it well, so round and trim,
—Hollowing it with care,—
Nothing too far away for him,
—Nothing for her too fair,—
Hanging it safe on the topmost limb,
—Their castle in the air.

Ah! mother bird, you'll have weary days
—When the eggs are under your breast,
And shadow may darken the dancing rays
—When the wee ones leave the nest;
But they'll find their wings in a glad amaze,
—And God will see to the rest.

So come to the trees with all your train
—When the apple blossoms blow;
Through the April shimmer of sun and rain,
—Go flying to and fro;
And sing to our hearts as we watch again
—Your fairy building grow.