Bob White

Today I heard a “Bob White” call

     Across the barren plain,

Where yesterday there stood a field

     Of yellow waving grain.

In ecstasy I answered him

     As best I could: “Bob White”;

The back and forth across the wold

     We signaled our delight.

“Bob White” came nearer, nearer still

     To seek his unseen mate;

Until in eagerness he perched

     Upon the garden gate.

“Bob White”, I whistled, “hither come,

     You have a friend in me!”

But “Bob White” on a frightened wing

     Flew far across the lea.

“Bob White” has been my neighbor here

     These many, many years;

Did sportsmen love him e’en as I

     He need would have no fears.

Ah! Drear would be the autumn morn,

     And lone the country day

Were “Bob White’s” voice forever stilled

     Were “Bob” to pass away.

Oct. 7, ‘09