As I have walk'd in Alabama my morning walk,

I have seen where the she-bird the mocking-bird sat on her nest in

the briers hatching her brood.

I have seen the he-bird also,

I have paus'd to hear him near at hand inflating his throat and

joyfully singing.

And while I paus'd it came to me that what he really sang for was

not there only,

Nor for his mate nor himself only, nor all sent back by the echoes,

But subtle, clandestine, away beyond,

A charge transmitted and gift occult for those being born.