Far in the south the redwings hear and speed
To answer nature's far-heard northern cry;
Swift from the fields they gather and take on
The burden of a journey; young and old
Swing upward to the sun as if the need
Of earth and of her comfort were gone by.
And guided by the star of memory run
Upon the trembling air; if, losing hold,
With weary wing one settle to the land;
If, sideways glancing from the flight, one see
A fairer light than hope, or faltering
Another answer to the white command
Hurled upward from the gun: yet joyfully
The happy flight speeds onward with the spring.