| Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). An American Anthology, 1787–1900. 1900. |
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| 1664. Prelude |
| | | By Josephine Preston Peabody |
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| WORDS, words, | |
| Ye are like birds. | |
| Would I might fold you, | |
| In my hands hold you | |
| Till ye were warm and your feathers a-flutter; | 5 |
| Till, in your throats, | |
| Tremulous notes | |
| Foretold the songs ye would utter. | |
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| Words, words, | |
| Ye are all birds! | 10 |
| Would ye might linger | |
| Here on my finger, | |
| Till I kissed each, and then sent you a-winging | |
| Wild, perfect flight, | |
| Through morn to night, | 15 |
| Singing and singing and singing! | |
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