THREE POEMS NOT IN POETRY FOR CHILDREN
Reading edition
SUMMER FRIENDS
The Swallow is a summer bird; He in our chimneys, when the weather Is fine and warm, may then be heard Chirping his notes for weeks together.
Come there but one cold wintry day, Away will fly our guest the Swallow: And much like him we find the way Which many a gay young friend will follow.
In dreary days of snow and frost Closer to Man will cling the Sparrow: Old friends, although in life we're crost, Their hearts to us will never narrow.
Give me the bird—'give me the friend— Will sing in frost—will love in sorrow— Whate'er mischance to-day may send, Will greet me with his sight to-morrow.
A BIRTH-DAY THOUGHT
Can I, all gracious Providence! Can I deserve thy care: Ah! no; I've not the least pretence To bounties which I share.
Have I not been defended still From dangers and from death; Been safe preserv'd from ev'ry ill E'er since thou gav'st me breath?
I live once more to see the day That brought me first to light; Oh! teach my willing heart the way To take thy mercies right!
Tho' dazzling splendour, pomp, and show, My fortune has denied, Yet more than grandeur can bestow, Content hath well supplied.
I envy no one's birth or fame, Their titles, train, or dress; Nor has my pride e'er stretched its aim Beyond what I possess.
I ask and wish not to appear More beauteous, rich, or gay: Lord, make me wiser every year, And better every day.
THE BOY, THE MOTHER, AND THE BUTTERFLY
[1827]
Young William held the Butterfly in chase, And it was pretty to observe the race Betwixt the Fly and Child, who nigh had caught him But for a merry jest his Mother taught him. "My valiant Huntsman, fie!" she said, "for shame, You are too big a match for so small game, To catch the Hare, or nimble Squirrel try, Remember, William, He is BUT A FLY."
Not always is Humanity imprest By serious schooling; a light word or jest Will sometimes leave a moral sting behind When graver lessons vanish out of mind.