Ode To A Bird- 1977 Poem by Richard Walker

Flutter and fly
and streak to the sky!
Show off your beauty to nature's proud eye.
Spread your great wings and sail on forever
in gala colors flowing with magnificent splendor.

Bird that I admire
floating free with pomp and grace
on the winds of time a loner
in search of a friendly place
to build your homely nest and raise your little ones
without fear of bondage oppressing or the sound of many guns.

Stand apart from the creeping things
that saunter on below.
Be a friend, jester of the court
and let your glad tidings glow
with a crescendoing radiance
of warmth and good cheer to know.

So fly away my little dove-
and let your love offering flow.