RIVER AND SEA

We stood by the river that swept

In its glory and grandeur away;

But never a pulse o’ me leapt,

And you wondered at me that day.

We stood by the lake as it lay

With its dimpled face turned to the light;

Was it strange I had nothing to say

To so fair and enchanting a sight?

I look on your tresses of gold -

You are fair and a thing to be loved -

Do you think I am heartless and cold

That I look and am wholly unmoved?

One answer, dear friend, I will make

To the questions your eyes ask of me:

“Talk not of the river or lake

To those who have looked on the sea”