The Birds begun at Four o'clock --

written by


« Reload image

The Birds begun at Four o'clock --
Their period for Dawn --
A Music numerous as space --
But neighboring as Noon --

I could not count their Force --
Their Voices did expend
As Brook by Brook bestows itself
To multiply the Pond.

Their Witnesses were not --
Except occasional man --
In homely industry arrayed --
To overtake the Morn --

Nor was it for applause --
That I could ascertain --
But independent Ecstasy
Of Deity and Men --

By Six, the Flood had done --
No Tumult there had been
Of Dressing, or Departure --
And yet the Band was gone --

The Sun engrossed the East --
The Day controlled the World --
The Miracle that introduced
Forgotten, as fulfilled.

© Emily Dickinson