I must step lightly here

For fear

Of crushing down some flower,

For fear I may disturb

This holy a1liance, or discord

The water's chime.

I must tread softly now.

For fear

Some leaf will fall before it's time.

Even a breath, quick-taken, here,

Would interrupt some fay at worship.

Oh, how deeply hushed the summer day -

How soft the silence,

And how long,

Until a bird cries,

And the feathered choir

Bursts forth in liquid song.