Дора Сигерсон Шортер (Dora Sigerson Shorter)

In the Midst of Life…

All the long day the robin on the spray
Piped his sweet song
To her who on her hidden nest
Oft turned beneath her patient breast
Her pretty eggs in tender quest
All the long day.
All the long day the blossoms on the spray
Shook 'neath his song.
Kissed by the sun each petal curled
To perfect flower, its bloom unfurled
To fling fine incense to the world
All the day long.
All the long day there passed me on their way
A busy throng—
The laden bee to her abode,
The toiling ant who drew her load
Across the danger of the road
All the day long.
All the long day I heard from far away
A slow ding-dong;
Within the vale the village lies,
All still beneath the smiling skies,
Save this sad bell that swings and cries
All the day long.