The speaker describes lying motionless under a dark pine tree, where shy forest birds gradually trust him enough to come near—brown thrushes, goldfinches, and hummingbirds. The stillness creates an intimate, almost enchanted moment with the natural world. The speaker clearly treasures this closeness; it feels gentle and unforced. Then the poem turns toward death. Someday he will lie alone under the open sky, but he is glad to know the same birds will come to his “new home.” He imagines being so still that they linger all day, and their evening song will keep the darkness from feeling long or frightening. The mood is peaceful and accepting rather than sorrowful, with birds acting as quiet companions between life and whatever comes after.
Birds — Summary
I lie beneath a dark green pine Where sunbeams scarcely ever shine, And if I'm still as still can be Shy forest birds come down to me.
Brown thrushes run along the ground, Goldfinches flit without a sound, And humming-birds with ruby throats Alight to smooth their emerald coats.
And when some day alone I lie Beneath the ever-changing sky, I'm glad to know the birds will come To welcome me to my new home.
For I will lie so still that they Will linger by me all the day, And lulled at evening by their song I shall not find the darkness long.