I HAD a merry bird <br /> Who sung a merry song, <br />And take it on my word, <br /> The day it was not long <br />In presence of my bird with its merry, merry song. <br /> <br /> <br />Did fortune strew my way <br /> With crosses, which, to bear, <br />Had rendered me a prey <br /> To sorrow or despair? <br />My birdie trilled its lay, and they vanished into air. <br /> <br /> <br />And thus went things with me, <br /> Till lo, with sudden sweep, <br />Death came across the lea <br /> And laid my bird asleep; <br />And ever since that hour I've done nought but sigh and weep.<br /><br />Joseph Skipsey<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/my-merry-bird/
