An Invitation

An Invitation

O leave the restless city

And come to the sylvan dell

Where the wood thrush gives his anthem

And the blue jay tolls his bell.

Where, deep in the tangled thicket,

The veery sings a lay

That trembles with whispered longings

Then slowly dies away.

Or go where the tawny hermit

With motif high and strong

Beareth the spirit upward

On the soaring wings of song.

From wooded hill and valley fair,

From plain and sea-girt isle,

A thousand songs rise up to cheer,

And the weary heart beguile.

Then leave the restless city

And come to some forest haunt

Where Nature's breath fills all the air

And sweetly wild birds chant.