Were I A Bird

Were I a bird free born to fly         Aloof on two wee, downy wings,     My canopy would be the sky         When rosy morn its dawning springs.     Were I a bird I'd sweetly sing         Earth's vesper song in tree-tops high,     And chant the carol of the Spring         To every weary passer by.     Were I a bird, the sweetest voice         That human ear has ever heard, -     The mocking-bird would be my choice,         For he's the sweetest singing bird!     Were I a bird my life would be         In keeping with the Will divine -     I'd sing His carols full and free         In spreading oak and cony pine!     Were I a bird through air I'd roam,         Just flitting on the morning breeze,     In search of summer's sunny dome,         To live contentedly at ease.     Were I a bird I'd sing a tune         For farmers seeking shady rest     Beneath the spreading oak in June,         In swinging boughs that rock my nest.     Were I a bird I'd scale the cliff         When dawns the bleak December day,     Far from the ice and snow I'd shift         Until the fairest day in May!     Were I a bird, a mocking-bird,         The King of birdie's singing sons,     My music would fore'er be heard         As I sweet sang to cheerless ones.     Were I a bird I'd seek my rest         When jocund Day blows out his light;     In boughs that hover o'er my nest         I'd sweetly sing, "Good Night, Good Night!"