The Trusting Young

Ah, little bird, thou art not old;

Thou knowest no danger in this world,

So full of trust.  Like all young things.

A child knows not the adder stings;

Adders are lovely worms to it;

Tigers would be big cats to pet,

And bears be bigger dogs to love.

But future days too soon will prove

To every child and bird, life’s state

Divides itself with love and hate.

So, when I see thee come so near

And, though I threaten, take no fear,

I think of days when thou wilt find

As many cruel things as kind.

All trusting young things come to this;

Look how a loving child would kiss

The civil landlord that did come

To turn out of house and home;

Nor guessed her mother’s look of grief

Was through that law-supported thief.