Kids Poems » The Winter King

! what will become of thee, poor little bird ?
The muttering storm in the distance is heard ;
The cold winds are waking, the clouds growing black !
They'll soon scatter snow-flakes all over thy back !
From what sunny clime hast thou wandered away ?
And what art thou doing, this cold winter day?

" I'm p'ecking the gum from the old peachtree:
The storm does'nt trouble me ! -- Pee-deedee."

But what makes thee seem so unconscious of care ?
The brown earth is frozen- -the branches are bare !
And how can'st thou seem so licirht-hearted and free,
Like Liberty's form with the spirit of glee,
When no place is near for thine evening rest-
No leaf for thy screen - - for thy bosom no nest?

" Because the same hand is a shelter for me,
That took off the summer leaves ! -- Pee-deedee."

But man feels a burden of want, and of grief,
While plucking the cluster and binding the sheaf !
We take from the ocean, the earth, and the air ;
And all their rich gifts do not silence our care.
In summer we faint ; in the winter we're chilled,
With ever a void that is yet to be filled.

" A very small portion sufficient will be,
If sweetened with gratitude! -- Pee-dee-dee."

I thank thee, bright monitor ! What thou hast taught
Will oft be the theme of the happiest thought.
We look at the clouds, while the bird has an eye
To Him who reigns over them, changeless and high !
And now, little hero, just tell me thy name,
That I may be sure whence my oracle came.

"Because, in all weather, I'm happy and free,
They call me the ' WINTER KING :' -- Pee-deedee."

But soon there'll be ice weighing down the light bough
Whereon thou art flitting so merrily now !
And though there's a vesture, well-fitted and warm,
Protecting the rest of thy delicate form,
What then wilt thou do with thy little bare feet,
To save them from pain, 'mid the frost and the sleet ?

"I can draw them right up in my feathers, you see !
To warm them, and fly away ! -- Pee-deedee."

* Paras Atricapillus, Liirn. Black-capt Titmouse, Wilson.