Page:Morning-Glories and Other Stories.djvu/178



! merry is the life Of a beach-bird free, Dwelling by the side Of the sounding sea,— Where the little children Chase us as we go; Where the pretty shells Murmur sweet and low; Where the old folk sit, Basking in the sun; Where the fisher-folk Rest when work is done. "Peep! Peep! Peep!" we say, Tripping to and fro On the pebbly shore, Where the ripples flow.

Oh! merry is the life Of a beach-bird free, Building our nests By the sounding sea, Seeking daily food, And feeding with care The dear little ones Safely hidden there, Teaching them to fly Boldly o'er the sea,— On the weak wings they Flutter timidly. 167