In "The Magic Dulcimer," Lorraine Lee says she was unable to trace the exact source of "Ah, Poor Bird," but one book credits Praetorius. She includes additional lyrics composed by Russ Mariani, one of her students: Ah, poor bird, take thy flight
Far above the sorrows of this sad night.

Come and rest in my hand;
We will fly together to foreign lands

Down below, look and see:
Mother Earth is dying.

Shall we fly east or west
Or do you see the folly in my request

What shall we do, where shall we go?
Cetainly the answer is not below

Ah, poor bird, you are right
We must search the darkness for a new light

Ah, poor bird, cry no more,
Journeys of the spirit always find their shore.