Explore "A Song after Sundown. the Wood-Notes of the Veery" by Henry Van Dyke on Textopian. Read with annotations and highlights.
_The moonbeams over Arno's vale in silver flood were pouring, / When first I heard the nightingale a long-lost love deploring: / So passionate, so full of pain, it sounded strange and eerie, / I longed to hear a simpler strain, the wood-notes of the veery._
_The laverock sings a bonny lay, above the Scottish heather, / It sprinkles from the dome of day like light and love together; / He drops the golden notes to greet his brooding mate, his / dearie; / I only know one song more sweet, the vespers of the veery._
_In English gardens green and bright, and rich in fruity / treasure, / I've heard the blackbird with delight repeat his merry measure; _ / _The ballad was a lively one, the tune was loud and cheery, / And yet with every setting sun I listened for the veery._
_O far away, and far away, the tawny thrush is singing, / New England woods at close of day with that clear chant are / ringing; / And when my light of life is low, and heart and flesh are weary, / I fain would hear, before I go, the wood-notes of the veery._