Explore "The Redwing" by Bliss Carman on Textopian. Read with annotations and highlights.
I hear you, Brother, I hear you, / Down in the alder swamp, / Springing your woodland whistle / To herald the April pomp!
First of the moving vanguard, / In front of the spring you come, / Where flooded waters sparkle / And streams in the twilight hum.
You sound the note of the chorus / By meadow and woodland pond, / Till, one after one up-piping, / A myriad throats respond.
I see you, Brother, I see you, / With scarlet under your wing, / Flash through the ruddy maples, / Leading the pageant of spring.
Earth has put off her raiment / Wintry and worn and old, / For the robe of a fair young sibyl. / Dancing in green and gold.
I heed you, Brother. To-morrow / I, too, in the great employ, / Will shed my old coat of sorrow / For a brand-new garment of joy.