ALONE WITH NATURE.

The rain came suddenly, and to the shore

I paddled, and took refuge in the wood,

And, leaning on my paddle, there I stood

In mild contentment watching the downpour,

Feeling as oft I have felt heretofore,

Rooted in nature, that supremest mood

When all the strength, the peace, of solitude,

Sink into and pervade the being's core.

And I have thought, if man could but abate

His need of human fellowship, and find

Himself through Nature, healing with her balm

The world's sharp wounds, and growing in her state,

What might and greatness, majesty of mind,

Sublimity of soul and Godlike calm!