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Poetry Sunday: The Robin is the One

American Robin, harbinger of spring for some, but for us, he is a year-round resident.

He is a well-known interrupter of the morn, one of the first in the avian chorus to greet the rising sun. And he's one of the last to say good-bye to it at the end of day, often singing well into the dusk. Wonderful bird! He was loved and appreciated by the Belle of Amherst who wrote this short poem honoring him. 


The Robin is the One

by Emily Dickinson

The Robin is the One
That interrupt the Morn
With hurried—few—express Reports
When March is scarcely on—

The Robin is the One
That overflow the Noon
With her cherubic quantity—
An April but begun—

The Robin is the One
That speechless from her Nest
Submit that Home—and Certainty
And Sanctity, are best 

Comments

  1. I like it. Sweet poem for a sweet bird.

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  2. Thank you for this treat

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  3. The robins showed up in the last week, Dorothy, so you could say they are a harbinger of spring here. I always enjoy their little runs on tippy-toe. I hadn't thought of them being quiet on the nest, that would make sense. Not that I ever see that.

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    Replies
    1. Yes, most birds, including the robin, are "speechless" on the nest. To speak would only draw the attention of predators.

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  4. Emily Dickinson is a poet I love to read. I read a wonderful novel based on her and wrote a professional review of it here: http://threeguysonebook.com/miss-emily-by-nuala-oconnor/

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    Replies
    1. Dickinson was unique and a true American treasure. Thanks for the link. I'll be sure to check it out.

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  5. Great poem choice! Love Emily's Dickinson's work, and this is perfect Sunday reading!

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    1. Her poems always cut straight to the heart of the matter, don't they?

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  6. Beautiful bird!
    Great poem! Wonderful poet!
    You should like this post to Stewart's Wild Bird Wednesday meme. Here's the link
    http://paying-ready-attention-gallery.blogspot.com/
    Have a great day!
    Lea

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    Replies
    1. Thanks for the link. I'll check it out. And thanks for stopping by.

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  7. Our robins have arrived in upstate New York, along with snowdrops and crocus. I see some "wild" trees are starting to bloom. This is the strangest winter ever for us in the Binghamton area. Once again, I thank the South for caring for our robins during the winter.

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