To A Robin, 1888

  I came across this book page today and knew I had to share it. The image above accompanies a poem titled "To A Robin", found at the back of the 1888 children's book "Louisa May Alcott: The Children's Friend". 

  We currently have a lively family of robins in our backyard. We have a family almost every year and yet the experience never gets old for me. From watching the parents gather the materials and build their nest (usually with many starts and stops) to feeling strangely protective as they sit on the eggs to the excitement when the babies are hatched, and the parents seem to spend every moment feeding small, squaking mouths, flying off for more food, and repeating. 

  So the poem (yes, there was a point to that story!) felt especially meaningful to me just now. 

Welcome, welcome little stranger,

  Fear no harm and fear no danger,

We are glad to see you here,

  For you sing sweet Spring is near.

Now the white snow melts away,

  Now the flowers blossom gay,

Come dear bird and build your nest,

  For we love our Robin best.

  The illustration is by Lizbeth (or Elizabeth) B. Comins. Possibly the poem, too, though it's not credited in this book anywhere I could find. 

   This book page is in the public domain and can be used and shared freely. It was published in the United States in 1888, well over 95 years ago. Click on an image for a larger version.