Wintering Birds

From "The Last Journal of Gwyllyn"

 

Fly from here, you little birds

chattering bright with happy words;

your fellow kin have fled away -

but you have wings, why do you stay?

 

Flitting about in airy ruts

seeking to fill your little guts

with rotting berries here all day -

but you have wings, why do you stay?

 

Your kindred sought a warmer clime

and you stayed here for wintertime

where trees are brown and skies are grey -

but you have wings, why do you stay?

 

In your winter nests, O sprites,

you must shiver on frigid nights,

and shiver still at light of day -

but you have wings, why do you stay?

 

You have wings, and strength of life,

so why endure through winter strife?

Your wings could take you far away,

but you have deigned with me to stay.

 

You have deigned with me to stay

and with me watch the dying day

fade from hues of sombre grey

and into shadows fade away.