The Birds' Farewell
A group of birds prepares to leave for their winter migration, addressing a young girl they have befriended. They express their sorrow at departing, emphasizing the bond they share with her. The birds convey their intention to return in the spring and promise to bring back new songs to share. They ask the girl to remember them and not to forget their friendship. The tone is light-hearted and playful, with a touch of humor as they acknowledge the presence of her cat. The farewell encapsulates themes of friendship, change, and the cyclical nature of seasons, highlighting the connection between the birds and the girl. The work captures the bittersweet essence of parting while maintaining an optimistic outlook for future reunions.
By Oliver Herford · First published 1915 · Genre: Poetry, Children's Literature, Nature Writing · 169 words
First lines
MY DEAR LITTLE MAID:
We must bid you good-by, For November is here, and it's time we should fly To the South, where we have an engagement to sing, But, remember this, dear, we'll return in the spring.
And if, while abroad, we hear anything new, We'll learn it, and sing it next summer to you In the same little tree on the lawn, if you'll let us.
So, good-by, little maiden! Please do not forget us.
What this Textopian page supports
The Birds' Farewell is listed on Textopian as a poem by Oliver Herford, dated 1915 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Oliver Herford
- Date: 1915 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Children's Literature, Nature Writing, Humor, Epistolary
- Length: 169 words
- Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Birds' Farewell by Oliver Herford
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Birds' Farewell?
- How does this poem by Oliver Herford fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Lady Of The Hills by Madison Cawein
- The Voice Of The Pussy Willow by Oliver Herford
- Asleep O Sleep A Little While White Pearl by John Keats
- The Robin by John Greenleaf Whittier
- The Child In The Orchard by Edward Thomas
- A Dream by Edward Thomas
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhyme and meter typical of poetry.
- Children's Literature — The themes and tone are suitable for a young audience, featuring whimsical elements and a friendly narrative.
- Nature Writing — The poem focuses on birds and their migration, highlighting themes of nature and seasonal change.
- Humor — The playful tone and light-hearted content suggest a humorous approach to the subject matter.
Tags
Fiction · Poetry · Nature · Imagination · Fantasy · Literary · Symbolism · Metaphor · Allegory · Mythology · Anthropomorphism · Birds