The Poetry Corner

Question And Answer

By Bjrnstjerne Martinius Bjrnson

THE CHILD Father! Within the forest's bound No bird I found, No sound of song the woods around. THE FATHER The bird that glad his song us gave, Flies o'er the wave; Perhaps he there will find his grave. THE CHILD But why does he not wait till later? THE FATHER He goes where light and warmth are greater THE CHILD Father! It selfish seems to me, Far off to flee, When all we others here must be. THE FATHER With new-born spring comes new-born song; By instinct strong The better new he'll bring erelong. THE CHILD But if in death the cold waves swallow - ? THE FATHER Others will come; his kin will follow.