Edith Matilda Thomas

The Birds on the Christmas Sheaf

    "And wherefore," the finch to the starling said,
    On the Christmas sheaf, as they hungrily fed,
    "Wherefore do now the children of men
    Open their hands, when, again and again,
    They drove us away from their plenteous store,
    From the corn in the field, from the threshing-floor?"
    "That," said the starling, "I'll try to explain:
    They are feasting, themselves, and they spare us this grain;
    For oft, as they feast and make merry, they sing,
    'Peace upon earth and good will'----"
                                    "But this thing"
    (Said the finch), "we birds have been singing all year,
    Then, why not before have they shared their good cheer?"