Chapter 4The River

The River4 Wild river in thy cataract far-rumoured and rash rapids to sea

hasting, Far now is that birth-place mid abrupt mountains and slow

dreaming of lone valleys Where only with blue heavens was rapt converse or green

orchards with fruit leaning Stood imaged in thy waves and, content, listened to thy

rhapsody’s long murmur.

Vast now in a wide press and a dense hurry and mass

movement of thronged waters Loud-thundering, fast-galloping, might, speed is the stern

message of thy spirit, Proud violence, stark claim and the dire cry of the heart’s

hunger on God’s barriers Self-hurled, and a void lust of unknown distance, and pace

reckless and free grandeur.

Calm yet shall release thee; an immense peace and a large

streaming of white silence, Broad plains shall be thine, greenness surround thee, and

wharved cities and life’s labour Long thou wilt befriend, human delight help with the waves’

coolness, with ships’ furrows Thrill, — last become, self losing, a sea-motion and joy

boundless and blue laughter.