• A flame went flitting through the wood;
    The neighboring birds all understood
        Here was a marvel of their kind;
    And silent was each feathered throat
    To catch the brilliant stranger’s note,
    And folded every songster’s wing
    To hide its sober coloring.
        Against the tender green outlined,
    He bore himself with splendid ease,...

  • My little neighbor’s table ’s set,
      And slyly he comes down the tree,
    His feet firm in each tiny fret
      The bark has fashioned cunningly.

    He pauses on a favorite knot;
      Beneath the oak his feast is spread;
    He asks no friend to share his lot,
      Or dine with him on acorn bread.

    He keeps his whiskers trim and neat,
      ...