Poems (Sharpless)/Up the Rhine
UP THE RHINE
Up the river's shining tide, The sombre hills between,Like a phantom form we glide In the silent scene.
The black silhouettes stand clear Against the luminous sky;While the moon thro' the tranquil air Looks with loving eye.
Close down by the river's brim The fitful lights betrayWhere the village in outline dim Is nestled away.
Afar on the frowning height A castle's towers rise,And in the tremulous light Seem to touch the skies.
Peace rests upon tower and town; And peace on the wide swift river;And we seem as if living alone To float on thus forever.
The world around is a dream, But the dear, dear Dead so near,As we sail up this magical stream In the moonlight clear.
They gather like wreathing mist, And I hear their whispers plain;—"We know thou hast mourned, but list! We shall meet again!
"We grieve for thee, still in the night, Bearing thy sorrow and care;But ours is a Home of Light; We await thee there!"