as i did walk through cities one saturday,
a golden finch came winging my way,
and sang to me a song of my country,
and words of life from city and sea.

golden finch, your song is your love,
and you will sing forever above.
golden finch alight in your loft,
where i have learned and, oh, you have taught.

while she did wing through ariel places,
a red oak tree grew under her feet,
and when the world had started its taking,
she lit amongst its loftier leaves.

golden finch, alight in your loft,
where you have learned and, oh, you have taught.
the red oak tree will carry your loss,
when you alone can't carry that cross.