Valentine

This is the time for birds to mate;                     To-day the dove              Will mark the ancient amorous date                     With moans of love;              The crow will change his call to prate                     His hopes thereof.              The starling will display the red                     That lights his wings;              The wren will know the sweet things said                     By him who swings              And ducks and dips his crested head                     And sings and sings.              They are obedient to their blood,                     Nor ask a sign,              Save buoyant air and swelling bud,                     At hands divine,              But choose, each in the barren wood,                     His valentine.              In caution's maze they never wait                     Until they die;              They flock the season's open gate                     Ere time steals by.              Love, shall we see and imitate,                     You, love, and I?