Bird Song - Bert Jansch

See how the golden bird tries to fly.

He is so angry, beats his wings in vain,

And the brightest jewels upon his back

Will not raise his head above the clouds.

Unlike the tiny sparrow, wild and free,

Gathering small pieces to build his nest,

For he has nothing, yet he can fly

Anywhere beneath God’s sky.

And loudly the eagle cries his song of war,

So piercing and shrill it strikes with fear

Among the shepherds dear gentle lambs

Caring nothing for his own soul.

And rarely the dragonfly does grace the dawn,

Dancing among the flowers of spring.

His rainbow hues he hath hidden from view,

Though unto God he spreads his wings.