SYLVIA LYND

THE RETURN OF THE GOLDFINCHES

'E are much honoured by your choice,

O golden birds of silver voice!
That in our garden you should find
A pleasance to your mind—

w

The painted pear of all our trees, 5
The south slope towards the gooseberries
Where all day long the sun is warm—
Combining use with charm.
Did the pink tulips take your eye?
Or Beach's barn secure and high 10
To guard you from some chance mishap
Of gales through Shoreham gap?
First you were spied a flighting pair
Flashing and fluting here and there,
Until in stealth the nest was made 15
And graciously you stayed.
Now when I pause beneath your tree,
An anxious head peeps down at me,
A crimson jewel in its crown,
I looking up, you down :— 20
I wonder if my stripey shawl
Seems pleasant in your eyes at all,
I can assure you that your wings
Are most delightful things.
404