For Whom Do You Sing (2007)

For whom do you sing this lovely morn
When spring is fresh on every bough,
In every waft of air up-born;
O little sparrow, piping from your bough?
With greater gladness than most hearts allow!

Perhaps you sing for your chicks unhatched,
The coming joys of parenthood,
Perhaps you sing of friends unmatched,
Who chirp their gay replies across the wood,
In tongues which, long ago, I understood.

But sing of distant cherished places,
And I'll attend your cheerful tune,
Until my cares your charm erases;
That moment will not – cannot come too soon!
Good spirit, grant this solitary boon!

Alas, that we are bound to wander
Far from our homes and friendships old;
Yet since it makes the memory fonder,
Sing spirit!  Thoughts are never cold
Nor love, when you with music all enfold.