Recently, whenever I have gone for a walk, there has been a robin somewhere along the way. I think they are the most delightful and resilient of birds. They deserve a poem, I think.

To the robin trilling cheerily
Why is it that you sing?
Is it because you’re sure
You have no need of anything?
Your nest is warm
Your eggs are safe
Not long until they hatch
Would you still sing if you had to
Start everything from scratch?

And what then if a hawk comes
Don’t you fearfully watch to see
If one of them should try and take
Your babes from out the tree?
You have no job to go to
And your house is all home-made
If I were you I’d worry
That the bills would go unpaid

Is it then that you are learned?
A bird so small so wise?
You heard you’re taken care of
As you flit through wintry skies?
Perhaps then you could teach me
And help me to understand
That the one who loves you also
Has me hidden in his hand