From out the heart of an autumnal day
A sound unwonted took the listening ear;
At first dim in the sky and far away,
But ever waxing louder and more clear.

And then a mighty shadow seemed to come
Between the sun and me, and all the air
Shook vibrantly, gave forth a grave, great hum,
Till heaven became a populous thoroughfare

Of strenuous wings that beat the blue in time;
Birds numberless, yet one in joy of flight
And the desire to make a warmer clime
Wherein to mate and nest and have delight.

A hundred wind-harps played in unison
Their passing was, a sight of buoyancy
Beyond us earthlings; of my memories, one
Most fraught with sense of fetterless grace and glee.