(Adapted from the German of Froebel)
A golden bird against the wall
Flutters and flits, and does not fall.
Birdie, let me hold you,
In my hands soft fold you!
No! the birdie flies away!
Will not, will not with me stay.
[Illustration]
’Tis the sunshine bright, dear,
Makes the bird of light, dear.
Sunbeams gay and golden
Not by hands are holden.
’Tis our eyes that they delight,
Dancing, dancing, glad and bright.
Many lovely things we see
Cannot be touched by you or me.
Sun and moon and sky, too,
Floating clouds so high, too,
Purple shadows on the grass,
Rainbow gleams that shine and pass.
Can you catch the lovely song
Robin trills the whole day long?
Can you catch my smile, dear?
No! yet all the while, dear,
These are yours, and in your heart
All your life they’ll play their part.