Harriet Monroe, ed. (1860–1936). The New Poetry: An Anthology. 1917.
HawksJames Stephens
A
We did not speak—there was no need to speak.
Above our heads there flew a little bird,
A silent one who feared that we might seek
Her hard-hid nest.
If we had found your nest that sunny day
We would have passed it by; we would have gone
And never looked or frightened you away.
A hard-found, open place, with many a foe;
And hunger and despair and little rest,
And more to fear than you can know.
On the ground or on the tree;
Guard the poor from treachery.