Stories and ballads for young folks

Chapter 33: GOOD-BY, LITTLE BIRD.

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About This Book

A mixed collection of short narratives and lyrical pieces aimed at young readers, blending domestic vignettes, playful adventures, and brief moral sketches. Many items focus on childhood scenes—games, family interactions, small acts of kindness and perseverance—while others drift into fairy-tale or fanciful territory with giants, princesses, and imaginative escapades. Interspersed ballads and poems celebrate nature, simple joys, and consolation, shifting tone between humor, tenderness, and gentle instruction. The pieces are concise and varied, alternating story and verse to amuse, soothe, and offer mild ethical reflections appropriate for a youthful audience.

GOOD-BY, LITTLE BIRD.

Good-by, little bird, the storm-clouds

Are gathering gray and drear;

At the chilly touch of the Frost-king

The sunbeams have paled with fear;

Wither’d, the leaves, and fallen lie;

Sadly the winds of autumn sigh;

Good-by, little bird, good-by, good-by;

Little bird, stay not here.

Good-by, little bird, I see thee

Winging thy southward way

To a sunny land thou knowest,

Caroling as thou goest,

Singing a blithesome lay.

Alas, and alas, no longer

Shall thy tuneful voice be heard,

Till the leafless limbs be clothed again,

And the blossoms gladden hill and glen.

Good-by, good-by, little bird, till then;

Good-by, good-by, little bird.