Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

A RICHER FREIGHT by WILLIAM HENRY DAVIES

Poet Analysis

First Line: YOU NIGHTINGALES, THAT CAME SO FAR
Last Line: TO LEARN -- NEXT SPRING.
Subject(s): BIRDS; MIGRATION; NIGHTINGALES;
You Nightingales, that came so far,
From Afric's shore;
With these rich notes, unloaded now
Against my door;

Most true they are far richer freight
Than ships can hold;
That come from there with ivory tusks,
And pearls, and gold.

But you'll return more rich, sweet birds,
By many notes,
When you take my Love's sweeter ones
Back in your throats,

And Afric's coast will be enriched
By how you sing!
What! you'll bring others back with you,
To learn -- next Spring.



Home: PoetryExplorer.net