Children Poems

THE HANG-BIRD'S NEST.

CRADLE SONG.

ROCK-A-BY, birdies, upon the elm-tree,

Where the long limbs wave gently and free;

Tough as a bow-string, and drooping and small,

Nothing can break them to give you a fall.

Rock-a-by, birdies, along with the breeze,

All the leaves over you humming like bees;

High away, low away, come again, go!

Go again, come again, rock-a-by-low

Wonder how papa-bird braided that nest,

Binding the twigs about close to his breast?

Wonder how many there are in your bed,

Bonny swing-cradle hung far overhead?

Never mind, birdies, how lightly it swings,

Mother-bird covers you close with her wings.

High away, low away, come again, go!

Go again, come again, rock-a-by-low!

Rock-a-by, birdies, there's no one to tire;

Mother rides with you; her wings are like fire;

All the bright feathers are 'round you so warm;

Rain cannot reach you and wind cannot harm.

Pretty bird-babies, let baby go swing

In your high cradle, while mamma shall sing:

High away, low away, come again, go!

Go again, come again, rock-a-by-low!

Geo. S. Barleigh.