AUBADE

    
     The birds’ aubade in spring begins at dawn
     Before the sun has risen, while the gray
     Of twilight brightens on the dew-drenched lawn,
     Announcing to the world returning day.
    
     Or do they, rather, summon with their songs
     A sun that otherwise would not arise
     But for the magic melodies of throngs
     Of birds the world around, as I surmise?
    
     But now the sky is brighter, and the birds
     Have quelled the clamor of their urgent chorus,
     Leaving it to me to find the words
     To brighten up the day that lies before us,
    
          And what I say: is song leads on to song,
          Each lightening our lives, all the day long.

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