Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, ADVICE TO THE WOOD PEWEE, by AMOS RUSSEL WELLS


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

ADVICE TO THE WOOD PEWEE, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: O bird with the mournful throat
Last Line: It might be adopted -- by man!
Subject(s): Birds; Pewees (birds)


O bird with the mournful throat,
Singing in sorrowful key,
What grief does your song denote,
Your desolate "De-ary me"?

Where could you have learned your song,
When all of the woodlands ring
With carollings cheery and strong
That dance and frolic and swing?

Has any one done you harm?
Do you fear a mysterious woe?
What breezes have whispered alarm
And left you sorrowing so?

The woods are full of content,
There's gladness in blossom and tree,
And yours is the only lament,
Your woebegone "De-ary me."

Cheer up, you worrying bird!
Be ashamed that a wingless man
Should offer this heartening word
To one of the feathered clan!

Take note of your relative there,
The phoebe happy and wise,
Who sings the sprightliest air
Beneath the gloomiest skies.

And change your disconsolate tune
As soon as you possibly can,
For fear, some unfortunate June,
It might be adopted -- by man!





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