I HEAR you, Brother, I hear you, <br />Down in the alder swamp, <br />Springing your woodland whistle <br />To herald the April pomp! <br />First of the moving vanguard, <br />In front of the spring you come, <br />Where flooded waters sparkle <br />And streams in the twilight hum. <br />You sound the note of the chorus <br />By meadow and woodland pond, <br />Till, one after one up-piping, <br />A myriad throats respond. <br />I see you, Brother, I see you, <br />With scarlet under your wing, <br />Flash through the ruddy maples, <br />Leading the pageant of spring. <br />Earth has put off her raiment <br />Wintry and worn and old, <br />For the robe of a fair young sibyl, <br />Dancing in green and gold. <br />I heed you, Brother. To-morrow <br />I, too, in the great employ, <br />Will shed my old coat of sorrow <br />For a brand-new garment of joy.<br /><br />Bliss William Carman<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-redwing/
