Illinois Verse/Burrill Avenue
Burrill Avenue
Flows all the campus life down Burrill Avenue Beneath the mighty arch of branching elmsThe Grand Old Man had placed so true, With wise attentive care for tender lifeWhose growing needs he so well knew.
Brave old Uni Hall, like some great sentinel rock That stems mid-stream the onward buoyant tide,Stands firm and calmly meets the shock Of years.—Ah, at the sight of your weathered heightWhat doors of memory unlock!
When loudly sound the chimes to tell the passing hour, The gay-capped boys, co-eds and thoughtful profs,From out the halls and every tower,— Mosaics bright soon form on the broad, grey pathThat weave and change as with magic power.
In the twilight of the early spring come campus sings. And the luring melody of Varsity BandBoth old and young to the fresh lawn brings; While strolling couples fill the avenue,And along its green vault music wings.
In balmy days of May the caps and gowns appear, Which lend the walk scholastic dignity.Then comes to a close the college year, And that last long line moves down your shadowed length,O, Burrill Avenue so dear.