FAR away I heard it, Stealing through the pines, Like a whisper saintly, Falling dimly, faintly, Through the terraced vines. Freshening breezes bore it Down the mountain slope; So I turned and listened, While the sunlight glistened On the snowy cope. Far away and dreamy Was the voice I heard; Yet it pierced and found me, Through the voices round me -- Song without a word. All the life and turmoil, All the busy cheer, Melted in the flowing Of that murmur, growing, Claiming all my ear. What the mountain message I could never tell; Such AEolian fluting Hath no language suiting What we write and spell. Rather did it enter Where no words can win, Touching and unsealing Springs of hidden feeling Slumbering deep within. Voice of many waters Only heard afar! Hushing, luring slowly, With an influence holy, Like the Orient star. Following where it leadeth, Till we stand below, While the noble thunder Wins the hush of wonder, Silent in its glow. Light and sound triumphant Fill the eye and ear, Every pulse is beating Quick, unconscious greeting To the vision near. Rainbow flames are wreathing In the dazzling foam, Fancy far transcending, Power and beauty blending In their radiant home. All the dreamy longing Passes out of sight, In a swift surrender To the joyous splendor Of this song of might. Self is lost and hidden As it peals along; Fevered introspection, Paler-browed reflection, Vanish in the song. For the spirit, lifted From the dulling mists, Takes a stronger molding, As the sound, enfolding, Bears it where it lists. Voice of many waters! Must we turn away From the crystal chorus Now resounding o'er us Through the flashing spray? Far away we hear it, Floating from the sky; Mystic echo, falling Through the stars, and calling From the thrones on high. There are voices round us, Busy, quick, and loud; All day long we hear them, We are still so near them, Still among the crowd; Yet amid the clamor Falls it faint and sweet, Like the softest harp-tone Passing every sharp tone Down the noisy street. To the soul-recesses Cleaving then its way, Waking hidden yearning, Unwilled impulse turning To the Far-away. Far away and viewless, Yet not all unknown -- In the murmur tracing Soft notes interlacing With familiar tone. So we start and listen While the murmur low Falleth ever clearer, Swelleth ever nearer In melodious flow. Voice of many waters From the heights above! Hushing, luring slowly With its influence holy, With its song of love. Following where it leadeth, Pilgrim feet shall stand, Where the holy millions Throng the fair pavilions In the Glorious Land. Where the sevenfold "Worthy" Hails the King of kings, Blent with golden clashing Of the crowns, and flashing Of cherubic wings; Rolls the Amen chorus, Old, yet ever new; Seal of blest allegiance, Pledge of bright obedience, Seal that God is true. Through the solemn glory Alleluias rise, Mightiest exultation, Holiest adoration, Infinite surprise. There immortal powers Meet immortal song: Heavently image bearing, Angel-essence sharing, Excellent and strong. Strong to bear the glory And the veil-less sight, Strong to swell the thunders And to know the wonders Of the home of light. Voice of many waters! Everlasting laud! Hark! it rushes nearer, Every moment clearer, From the Throne of God. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...ON PARTING by GEORGE GORDON BYRON FIRST BOOK OF AIRS: SONG 11 by THOMAS CAMPION MY SISTER'S SLEEP by DANTE GABRIEL ROSSETTI ODES: BOOK 2: ODE 4. TO THE HON. CHARLES TOWNSHEND, IN THE COUNTRY by MARK AKENSIDE |