Build No Roof-Tree Poem by Dora Sigerson Shorter

Build no roof-tree over thee,
Raise nor wall nor rafter,
Like the swallows in the eaves,
Care will follow after.
Lend thy ear unto no voice
Save the linnet's singing,
Happy birds nor sigh nor weep
In their joyous winging.
Take for friend into thy heart
The little fox in hiding,
So thy love be not forgot,
Thy benefits abiding.
In the shadow of the glen
Lies thy happy laughter,
Build no roof-tree over thee,
Raise nor roof nor rafter.