Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


IF I COULD TELL YOU THE WAY by HILDA CONKLING

First Line: DOWN THROUGH THE FOREST TO THE RIVER
Last Line: FOR A YEAR AND A YEAR AND A YEAR!

DOWN through the forest to the river
I wander.
There are swans flying,
Swans on the water,
Duck, wild birds.
Fairies live here;
They know no sorrow.
Birds, winds,
They are the only people.
If I could tell you the way to this place,
You would sell your house and your land
For silver or a little gold,
You would sail up the river,
Tie your boat to the Black Stone,
Build a leaf-hut, make a twig-fire,
Gather mushrooms, drink spring-water,
Live alone and sing to yourself
For a year and a year and a year!



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