A Bird-scene at a Rural Dwelling

by Thomas Hardy (1925) — a poem card from Justes Mots

Hardy describes morning birds retreating as a householder wakes, then returning to sing from the garden, a cycle repeated for a hundred summers. The poem captures quiet domestic rhythms and the timeless beauty of natural routines. It evokes nostalgia and peaceful continuity for reflection or gentle celebration.

WHEN the inmate stirs, the birds
retire discreetly
From the window-ledge, whereon they
whistled sweetly
And on the step of the door,
In the misty morning hoar ;
But now the dweller is up they flee
To the crooked neighbouring codlin tree ;…

Themes: birthday · friendship · encouragement · new-baby