Poems (Hoffman)/Leonard Lake
LEONARD LAKE
Up where the tall Coast mountain peaks Smile neath the azure skies,Where the voice of nature's goddess speaksAnd the startled deer through the forest leaps, A calm little lakelet lies.
On its green banks the redwood towers And drops its bursting cones,Sweet bird-songs while away the hoursAnd the south wind rustles through the flowers, Or in the tree-top moans.
To the oak-tree the wild-grape vine In emerald splendor clings,From the deep shade, pink star-flowers shine,And the graceful bell of the columbine In the gentle zephyr swings.
I remember the slopes where the tulips blow, And the cool refreshing spring;The banks where the beautiful green ferns growAnd the waters dark and deep below, And the songs the wild birds sing.
In vain do I sing of the exquisite grace Of mountain and lake and tree;Should an artist's skillful pencil traceThe varied outlines of rustic grace, 'Twould at best but a shadow be.
Fain would I picture each perfect part, With the sound of the dashing oar,Though deeply engraven on mind and heartI cannot to other minds impart The charms that for me they wore.