Cheerfulness
Poised, far above the city's street, On swaying wire, the robin sits Full throated. His happy notes repeat His urgent joy. His message sweet The hastening throngs he sends to greet ; While— Swaying, Swaying, Swaying !
Nor tree, nor bush, — no leaf of green — Can songster here behold; Naught of the field or native scene, Yet pours his heart in notes serene With dainty little interludes between; While— Swinging, Swinging, Swinging !
Like petrel on the crest of wave, He rides the undulations. As lookouts in a tower behave, He scans the view. His presence brave And cheerful song, tired spirits lave; While— Soothing, Soothing, Soothing !
Thine is the cheer that ever cheers, Oh robin, on the swaying wire! Let every weary soul that hears Search for thy joy, dry bitter tears. Sing! Sing away our hidden fears While— Swinging, Swaying, Soothing.