Celia Thaxter

Chanticleer

I wake! I feel the day is near;

I hear the red cock crowing!

He cries " 'Tis dawn!" How sweet and clear

His cheerful call comes to my ear,

While light is slowly growing.


The white snow gathers, flake on flake;

I hear the red cock crowing!

Is anybody else awake

To see the winter morning break,

While thick and fast 'tis snowing?


I think the world is all asleep;

I hear the red cock crowing!

Out of the frosty pane I peep;

The drifts are piled so wide and deep,

And the wild wind is blowing!


Nothing I see has shape or form;

I hear the red cock crowing!

But that dear voice comes through the storm

To greet me in my nest so warm,

As if the sky were glowing!


A happy little child, I lie

And hear the red cock crowing.

The day is dark. I wonder why

His voice rings out so brave and high,

With gladness overflowing.