John James Audubon - Blue Jays, Franz Joseph Haydn - The Heavens Are Telling , William Blake - The Lamb

Today's painting by John James Audubon is well known.  Audubon sought to show the setting and character of the birds he painted as well as make his paintings aesthetically pleasing.  Here the Jays are stealing song birds' eggs.


Some of you are listening through Franz Joseph Hadyn's creation yet. For those who chose to listen to only one or two parts today's piece is also from this oratorio.  It's a beautiful choir piece that you may have heard performed. The Heavens Are Telling:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-Jkktpp9Q

I'd like to introduce a new poet today, William Blake.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Blake
http://www.answers.com/topic/william-blake
Our first poem by William Blake follows:

The Lamb

Little lamb, who made thee?
Dost thou know who made thee,
Gave thee life, and bid thee feed
By the stream and o'er the mead;
Gave thee clothing of delight,
Softest clothing, woolly, bright;
Gave thee such a tender voice,
Making all the vales rejoice?
Little lamb, who made thee?

Dost thou know who made thee?

Little lamb, I'll tell thee;
Little lamb, I'll tell thee:
He is called by thy name,
For He calls Himself a Lamb.
He is meek, and He is mild,
He became a little child.
I a child, and thou a lamb,
We are called by His name.
Little lamb, God bless thee!
Little lamb, God bless thee!