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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE RIVER OF REST by CINCINNATUS HEINE MILLER

Poet Analysis

First Line: A BEAUTIFUL STREAM IS THE RIVER OF REST
Last Line: THIS BEAUTIFUL, BEAUTIFUL RIVER OF REST.

A beautiful stream is the River of Rest;
The still, wide waters sweep clear and cold,
A tall mast crosses a star in the west,
A white sail gleams in the west world's gold:
It leans to the shore of the River of Rest --
The lily-lined shore of the River of Rest.

The boatman rises, he reaches a hand,
He knows you well, he will steer you true,
And far, so far, from all ills upon land,
From hates, from fates that pursue and pursue;
Far over the lily-lined River of Rest --
Dear mystical, magical River of Rest.

A storied, sweet stream is this River of Rest;
The souls of all time keep its ultimate shore;
And journey you east or journey you west,
Unwilling, or willing, sure footed or sore,
You surely will come to this River of Rest --
This beautiful, beautiful River of Rest.



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