In ancient days, on every hand, The West, without compeer, Inviting smiled a promised land To hardy pioneer. The call we heard, obeyed it well, Unknown for weal or woe; And yet, with all, we rarely tell Of fifty years ago. From nearly every state and nation, To western land we came; Our each profession -- occupation, Records a worthy name. We found a home, by choice or fate, Beside this noble river; The lovely "City of the Strait," We cherish now and ever. The forests, rivers, azure skies, Then lent their charming mood; Now, cities -- palaces arise, Where once the cabin stood. The pioneers of other climes In quiet here we found; -- Adventurers of other times; Now both as one are bound. And time the flying years has told, And long has been our toil; We gather now, from days of old, The rich but withered spoil. The fatherland, the early home, Our recollections fill; And though we left them far to roam, We oft re-visit still. The past we love to ponder o'er, The memory to cheer; We note the fast receding shore, That soon will disappear. And many, too, have left the scene, In silver locks and sear; We'll drop beside their evergreen, The sympathizing tear. As former days we here recall, In reminiscence cast; In course we also soon must all Be numbered with the past. May He that kindly led us here, A far exploring band, Still guide us, when the end is near, To His own happy land. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...ELEGY: 3. CHANGE by JOHN DONNE THE COUNTY OF MAYO by THOMAS LAVELLE WORK by ALEKSANDR SERGEYEVICH PUSHKIN A MORNING HYMN by CHARLES WESLEY TO THE DAISY (3) by WILLIAM WORDSWORTH A FUNERAL CHANT FOR THE OLD YEAR by E. JUSTINE BAYARD TO A CHILD, THE DAUGHTER OF A FRIEND by JOHN GARDINER CALKINS BRAINARD |