Page:Bird-lore Vol 03.djvu/122

 Song of the Whippoorwill BY GARRETT NEWKIRK " I am a bird misunderstood, So-called the VVliippoorvvill ; One always trying to be good, With reputation ill. " For people say that when I speak I am to William bad ; That every night I only seek To punish that poor lad. " Now I love William just the same As 1 do John or Jim ; And never think of laying blame Or wishing harm to him. " And when you hear my plaintie call While hours are growing late; I'm thinking not of him at all But crying to my mate: ' f^ear no ill, " When darkness comes upon the sky, Keep you still, I take my searching flight. Come I will.' For moths and hcc-tles as tlu-y fly, Above the earth at night. " Then wliile at intervals I rest Upon a rock or rail ; To comfort her I think it best M lo ing wife to liail ; ' Fear no ill, Kei'p you still, Come 1 will. (>07)