To The Whippoorwill

Calling sweet and clear, 'neath the starry heavens

of an early summer night...

The Eastern Whippoorwill

North America

When the night is falling, 

Plaintive notes I hear,

Through the darkness calling,

Calling soft and clear.

Whippoorwill, they repeat,

Whippoorwill, low and sweet,

Filling all the listening air

with rich, tender strains.

Tell me what you're singing,

Singing through the night;

Tender rapture bringing,

Bringing sweet delight.

Whippoorwill, you repeat,

Whippoorwill, low and sweet,

But I cannot fathom

all that sweet song contains.

"To The Whippoorwill"

M.B. Wallis

Indian Maiden In The Moonlight

Charles Relyea

(1920)