SWIFT o'er the sunny grass, I saw a shadow pass With subtle charm, -- So quick, so full of life, With thrilling joy so rife, I started lest, unknown, My step -- ere it was flown -- Had done it harm. Why look up to the blue? The bird was gone, I knew, Far out of sight. Steady and keen of wing, The slight, impassioned thing, Intent on a goal unknown, Had held its course alone In silent flight. Dear little bird, and fleet, Flinging down at my feet Shadow for song: More sure am I of thee -- Unseen, unheard by me -- Than of some things felt and known, And guarded as my own, All my life long. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...SECOND BOOK OF AIRS: 7. THE MEASURE OF BEAUTY by THOMAS CAMPION THE BATTLE OF CHARLESTON HARBOR by PAUL HAMILTON HAYNE JOY OF THE MORNING by EDWIN MARKHAM ODE FOR THE AMERICAN DEAD IN ASIA by THOMAS MCGRATH THE ANGLER'S WISH by IZAAK WALTON |