Far up in air the pines are murmuring
Love songs sweet and low,
With a rhythmic flow,
Worthy of the glad sun's glow.
The airy clouds are o'er them bending,
Captured by the sound
Of such pleasure found
In a playful daily round.
The birds pause in their flight to listen,
Wondering all the while
How the trees can smile
Rooted so to earthly guile.
The hush of summer noon enwraps them
Perfumed from below
By the flowers that show
They, too, murmuring love songs know.
All nature finds a joy in loving—
Oh, that I could hear
Love songs once so dear
Death has hushed forever here!
Intervale Woods, North Conway.