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Something told the wild geese
It was time to go,
Though the fields lay golden
Something whispered, "snow."
Leaves were green and stirring,
Berries, luster-glossed,
But beneath warm feathers
Something cautioned, "frost."
All the sagging orchards
Steamed with amber spice,
But each wild breast stiffened
At remembered ice.
Something told the wild geese
It was time to fly,
Summer sun was on their wings,
Winter in their cry.
This poem is in the public domain.
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Rachel Field (1894 - 1942) was a novelist, children's book author, playwright, and poet. Born in New York City, she was the first woman to win the Newbery Award for outstanding children's fiction. Rachel's best-known work was probably her novel, All This And Heaven Too, which was made into a film starring Bette Davis.
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Tom Sharpe:
Ah, great poem. There was a time when my heart knew what the wild goose knows. Years and miles redefined it, and sadly left me the longing to once again follow. Great poem.
Posted 10/15/2025 06:33 PM
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Millieevans72:
Just discovered this beautiful piece in my daughter's poetry book and absolutely love it! We have wild geese here in London but they don't migrate - it's cold enough (or maybe no-one told them) ❤️
Posted 10/15/2025 05:44 PM
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EstherJ:
I love this one! There is something miraculous about bird migration as though the Lord were looking out for them.
Posted 10/15/2025 09:31 AM
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Darrell Arnold:
At my house, Something told the hummingbirds that winter's on the way. A few were present yesterday. None remain today. I know their sudden absence is a necessary thing, But, oh how I'll rejoice when they're back again next spring!
Posted 10/15/2025 08:23 AM
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Claudia:
Thank you for having this poem up. It is a lovely reminder of this time of year.
Posted 11/08/2018 05:39 PM
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Maeve60:
One of my favorite poems. The geese were here on the Lake all summer and we took such joy in watching them. Now, early Sept. they all seem to have left.
Surely, "something told the wild geese"
Posted 09/03/2015 09:18 AM
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MissWatusi:
I love this poem. When I taught 5th grade, I would have my students memorize it every year.
Posted 09/02/2014 07:36 AM
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Buckner14:
I emember reading Rachel Fields' ork when I was a child, and l loving it. Now I read this and know why--she should be re-discovered...widely.
Posted 10/17/2010 07:36 PM
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Julianne Carlile:
This is my kind of poem.
Posted 10/15/2010 03:20 PM
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dotief@comcast.net:
The lake near my house has been home to some Canadian geese. They flew off in a hurry this morning--the weather being a bit brisk for Florida (maybe 65), but still, I wonder where they will go from here. Love the poem.
Posted 10/15/2010 09:58 AM
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