Poems (Denver)/The River Echo
THE RIVER ECHO.
In the heart of green Kentucky, With its woods and mountains blent, Lies a cave of wondrous beauty, Rare and most magnificent. In its chambers cold and lofty, Strange shapes of crystal rise, Gem-like in their icy splendor, Antique in their imageries.
Through that cavern vast and wondrous Runs a river deep and broad,With its ever-swelling billows, Surging through the dim abode. Toward the world of light they struggle With a never-ending strife, Like a great soul in thick darkness, Searching for the way of life.
And they call that river, Echo; For a sound cast on its wave,Quickly caught, as by enchantment, Rebounds from cave to cave; Then returning with new vigor, Like a courser o'er the plain, To the place from which it started, Back it boundeth once again.
Once I stood beside that river, With thy name upon my lips, Whose dear eyes in silent sorrow, Closed so soon in death's eclipse; Then from cave to cave it echoed, With a sob, a sigh, a start,Till, returning with a murmur, Back it nestled in my heart.
And it rests there, silent, sacred From the littleness of earth; A dear memory ever treasured For its nobleness and worth. And with hopeful patience ever I look upward by God's grace,Till near the crystal river I shall meet thee face to face.
Not as there within that cavern, With its echoings profound,Shall I hear thy name repeated With a cold and mocking sound; But will see thee clothed in radiance, Such as only angels wear, With the new name God has given, Written on thy forehead fair.