Classic and Contemporary Poetry
TO A WOUNDED SEA BIRD, by JOHN NICOL First Line: I saw it in its beauty - in its freedom as it flew Last Line: And build your nests upon the crags -- you're ever safe for me. Subject(s): Birds; Hunting; Hunters | ||||||||
I SAW it in its beauty -- in its freedom as it flew, Like a snowflake from the heavens, o'er the waters, deep and blue; And it left the clouds behind it, for the tempest was its way, As it darted like an arrow through the pyramids of spray. It rose above the mountain -- it vanish'd in the deep, And circled round the beacon, like a sickle set to reap. It piped above the village, then hasten'd through the foam, To meet the wave-toss'd mariner, and bid him welcome home. I heard a musket rattle, and I saw a wreath of smoke, And saw a treach'rous human form uprise behind a rock; And with a clutch victorious, he grasp'd the helpless thing -- That flutter'd on the shingle, with bleeding, broken wing. This "lord of the creation" I curse not, nor despise -- But pity much his cruel heart, and envy not his prize, Go, fly, ye pretty sea birds! go, fly upon the sea! And build your nests upon the crags -- you're ever safe for me. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE LAMENT OF QUARRY by LEONIE ADAMS KILLDEER by KENNETH SLADE ALLING THE YOUNG FOWLER THAT MISTOOK HIS GAME by PHILIP AYRES A POEM ABOUT THE HOUNDS AND THE HARES by LISEL MUELLER HOME AND COUNTRY by JOHN NICOL A SWEET LULLABY by NICHOLAS BRETON SONNETS ATTEMPTED IN THE MANNER OF CONTEMPORARY WRITERS: 2 by SAMUEL TAYLOR COLERIDGE |
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