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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


AKIN by JOHN GALSWORTHY

First Line: WHO THAT HAS MARKED THE WHITE OWL'S FLIGHT
Last Line: BIRD MUSIC ON THE HILL!
Subject(s): BIRDS;

WHO that has marked the white owl's flight
Or blessed the lark at noon,
Or listened of a summer night
And startled at the loon;
Who that has browsed with blunt-nosed sheep,
Or spied an adder drink,
Or seen a baby skunk asleep,
Or heard the bob-o-link --

Who so has fared, and felt no free
Delight within him run;
Then of the great freemasonry
Be sure he is not one.
But if his sentient ardour flow
For things that pad or fly,
With you and me -- oh! surely know
He hath affinity.

America and England breed
Those who are brothers still,
For that the beasts they love, and heed
Bird music on the hill!



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