THE WHITE CRANE
Spread out thy ivory wings, bird of the waters,
In shades the willow flings, some foeman loiters.
Tempting the trout that swim
Under the boulder grim,
Yet by the river's rim
Wait the sly plotters,
Thou in the distance dim
Bird of the waters
In shades the willow flings, some foeman loiters.
Tempting the trout that swim
Under the boulder grim,
Yet by the river's rim
Wait the sly plotters,
Thou in the distance dim
Bird of the waters
Far down the placid stream fold each wide pinion,
Or where in distance screams thy lone companion,
Lonely beside her nest
In her white garments dressed,
Stainless her- faithful breast,
Or in the canyon
Midst the tall ferns to rest
Fold each wide pinion.
Or where in distance screams thy lone companion,
Lonely beside her nest
In her white garments dressed,
Stainless her- faithful breast,
Or in the canyon
Midst the tall ferns to rest
Fold each wide pinion.
Oft have I watched thy tall form by the river,
Where the long willows fall that the winds shiver,
Stately, majestic, lone,
Perched on a low-washed stone
With mosses overgrown,
By skill so clever
Catching the fish that come
Down the clear river.
Where the long willows fall that the winds shiver,
Stately, majestic, lone,
Perched on a low-washed stone
With mosses overgrown,
By skill so clever
Catching the fish that come
Down the clear river.
Where is thy lonely nest deep in seclusion?
Where mayst thou turn to rest safe from intrusion?
Where is thy hidden haunt,
Secure from fear or want,
Where mayst thou turn to rest safe from intrusion?
Where is thy hidden haunt,
Secure from fear or want,
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