Birds and Nature, Vol. X, No 5, December 1901 — To a White-Eyed Vireo

TO A WHITE-EYED VIREO.

Up there among the maple’s leaves, One morning bright in May, A tiny bird I chanced to spy, And plainly heard him say: “Sweet, who-are-you?

” “Dost call to me, in words so fair, O little friend?

” I cried;

“Or to some feathered dame up there?

” For answer he replied: “Sweet, do you hear?

” O yes, I hear you, little bird, All clad in leafy hue;

And I in turn, would like to ask The question, “Who are _you_?

” But you might deem the question vain, And bid me note your size;

The shading of your dainty coat;

The color of your eyes.

For there I shall my answer find.

Shall you be answered, too?

Will your wee feathered love reply, When asked, “Sweet, who-are-you?

” —Annie Wakely Jackson.