Richard Hunt. The Scarlet Tanager. Harriet Monroe, ed. Poetry: A Magazine of Verse. 1912-22

Harriet Monroe, ed. (1860–1936). Poetry: A Magazine of Verse. 1912–22.

The Scarlet Tanager

By 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,	5
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:	10
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!	15
Of love your scarlet flame is made!