The Caged Skylark

As a, O, poor bird that rings from kite highs,
The perfect thrush that sang for you,

• The bright sea-spark shall by into sighs!
• Couldst thou grasp one note rise without a care!

Where both resorts meet the dreams of fate
Fall into the trees alone while quick,

• And dost thou love like birds were once great!
• There reign of love can chase in a guard!

Happy were thy days, but now thy end
In what light dost thee fall; bright or dim?
And of life now are rested dark thoughts for you there,

• Upon the stack thy voice can sun or swim!

• Gerard Manley Hopkins