NAVIGATORS OF THE BLUE Carrier pigeons—pioneers in aerial transportation

Aloft in the frigid lanes they soar, High over dormant farm and city’s roar: Their tireless pinions wrestle with the breeze That wails athwart the solemn, leafless trees. Above the brooks asleep ’neath crystal shrouds, And o’er white winter’s mantle from the clouds, Swift pigeons wheel and spiral t’wards the sun, Exultant in new triumphs daily won. Atoms these—of pulsating life on wing, Each flouts the sordid earth and ether’s sting: Unconsciously, they realize a Plan Which mortals match with faulty ships of Man.