Contents -BIBLIOGRAPHIC RECORD

Harriet Monroe, ed. (1860–1936). The New Poetry: An Anthology. 1917.

The Scarlet Tanager

Richard Hunt

ALL through the silent summer day

He sings “Ke-i, ke-o, ke-ay”—

A rich wild strain that sounds to me

Like bugle-notes of anarchy.

O black and burning scarlet one,

You flare and flicker, like the sun

Against the black void’s freezing breath:

Like life triumphant over death.

I see you burning in a tree;

From tree to tree you flame and wave:

You wave the blood of liberty

Against the black shroud of the brave.

You flare and flare, you call and call,

Amid the dim leaves’ emerald shade.

Your note’s a love-note after all!

Of love your scarlet flame is made!