FROM rise of morn till set of sun I've seen the mighty Mohawk run, And as I mark'd the woods of pine Along his mirror darkly shine, Like tall and gloomy forms that pass Before the wizard's midnight glass; And as I view'd the hurrying pace With which he ran his turbid race, Rushing, alike untired and wild, Through shades that frown'd and flowers that smiled, Flying by every green recess That woo'd him to its calm caress, Yet, sometimes turning with the wind, As if to leave one look behind! Oh! I have thought, and thinking sigh'd -- How like to thee, thou restless tide! May be the lot, the life of him, Who roams along thy water's brim! Through what alternate shades of woe, And flowers of joy my path may go! How many an humble, still retreat May rise to court my weary feet, While still pursuing, still unblest, I wander on, nor dare to rest! But, urgent as the doom that calls Thy water to its destined falls, I see the world's bewildering force Hurry my heart's devoted course From lapse to lapse, till life be done, And the lost current cease to run! Oh, may my falls be bright as thine! May Heaven's forgiving rainbow shine Upon the mist that circles me, As soft, as now it hangs o'er thee! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE CUMBERLAND [MARCH 8, 1862] by HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW THE SECRET OF THE SEA by HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW IN THIS AGE OF HARD TRYING, NONCHALANCE IS GOOD AND by MARIANNE MOORE LOCKSLEY HALL by ALFRED TENNYSON CAELIA: SONNETS: 11 by WILLIAM BROWNE (1591-1643) NIGHT IN FLORIDA by ALPHEUS BUTLER TOWARDS DEMOCRACY: PART 4. THE SONG OF THE BIRDS, WHO HEARS by EDWARD CARPENTER THE CHOPPER'S CHILD; A STORY FOR THANKSGIVING DAY by ALICE CARY |