Remembered Song

In a lull of a storm I heard The clear, wild trill of a bird, Singing alone from a thicket of tall dark trees; And in the stillness its gallant treble stirred My heart with a strange peace.

Spontaneously and loud, It burst through the mist and cloud Like a sudden pledge of a new and glorious day; And each courageous note rang strong and proud Over a world of gray.

Then the thunder rolled again, And a torrent of wind and rain Rushed down from the sky, and its song was lost in the night: But in my heart the echo of its refrain Sang on with new delight.

And still it sings through the strife And the turbulent storms of life, Through the mists of gloom, and the sorrowful days I know, As the bird sang out, with hope as keen as a knife, So long, long ago.