The birds can fly, an' why can't I? Must we give in, says he with a grin, That the bluebird an' phoebe are smarter 'n we be? John Townsend Trowbridge More Quotes by John Townsend Trowbridge More Quotes From John Townsend Trowbridge With years a richer life begins, the spirit mellow: ripe age gives tones to violins, wine, and good fellows. John Townsend Trowbridge wine giving years If you will observe, it doesn't take John Townsend Trowbridge wall men mean On turf and curb and bower-roof John Townsend Trowbridge ivory garden snow Not in rewards, but in the strength to strive, the blessing lies. John Townsend Trowbridge blessing inspirational lying The speckled sky is dim with snow, John Townsend Trowbridge light sky fall A flower more sacred than far-seen success Perfumes my solitary path; I find Sweet compensation in my humbleness, And reap the harvest of a quiet mind. John Townsend Trowbridge flower mind sweet The tears of the young who go their way, last a day; But the grief is long of the old who stay. John Townsend Trowbridge tears grief long I keep some portion of my early gleam; John Townsend Trowbridge light dream moving Our days, our deeds, all we achieve or are, Lay folded in our infancy; the things Of good or ill we choose while yet unborn. John Townsend Trowbridge infancy achieve deeds Of nothing comes nothing: springs rise not above Their source in the far-hidden heart of the mountains: Whence then have descended the Wisdom and Love That in man leap to light in intelligent fountains? John Townsend Trowbridge intelligent heart spring The birds can fly, An' why can't I? John Townsend Trowbridge bluebird aviation bird Men are polished, through act and speech, Each by each, As pebbles are smoothed on the rolling beach. John Townsend Trowbridge pebbles men beach We are two travelers, Roger and I. Roger's my dog-come here, you scamp! Jump for the gentleman-mind your eye! Over the table,-look out for the lamp! The rogue is growing a little old; Five years we've tramped through wind and weather, And slept out-doors when nights were cold, And ate and drank and starved together. John Townsend Trowbridge eye dog friendship Darius was clearly of the opinion John Townsend Trowbridge air sea men For me the diamond dawns are set In rings of beauty. John Townsend Trowbridge jewelry diamond dawn "The birds can fly, an' why can't I? Must we give in," says he, with a grin, "'T the blackbird an' phoebe are smarter 'n we be? Jest fold our hands, an' see the swaller An' blackbird an' catbird beat us holler? ... Jest show me that! er prove 't that bat Hez got more brains thans's in my hat, An' I'll back down, an' not till then!" John Townsend Trowbridge bird giving hands