The Wood Thrush Returned Today

I've been waiting for the return of this song bird to our area. This morning I heard the distinctive voice: Sunday, May 2. Two years ago it was April 19. I remember because I announced it at a house concert I did that evening. So, I've been waiting with some anxiety since mid-April for the sound of the glorious song. Did you know the wood thrush achieves their sound because they have two vocal chords so they can sing harmony with themselves. (I learned this, as most everything else interesting, by listening to National Public Radio.) Below are the words of the song I wrote in his honor: Little Bird

And the little bird sings in the cool of the day
When the sun comes up And the sun goes down
He’s got happy things to say

And the little bird sings from the highest tree
Hidden in the leaves of the canopy
Doesn’t wanna be seen

When my head’s brought low by this world of woe
And trouble’s leaning on my door
I marvel at the simple joy that hearing can restore

When the little bird sings in the cool of the day
When the sun comes up And the sun goes down
He’s got happy things to say

And the little bird sings I cannot stay
I come in the spring and I leave in the fal
And it’s always been this way

But the little bird sings a promise true
When the jessamen blooms I’ll be coming home soon
And will sing a song for you

When the nights are long and the wind blows cold
And the days are gray and drear
I hold onto the hope of spring

When the wood thrush reappears
And the little bird will sing in the cool of the day
When the sun comes up And the sun goes down
He’s got happy things to say

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