In Memory of Sidney Lanier 1842-1881

(Editor's note: In this poem, Lanier takes us on a joyful ride with the mighty Chattahoochee River as it winds itself through the state of Georgia.)

OUT of the hills of Habersham,
Down the valleys of Hall,
I hurry amain to reach the plain,
Run the rapid and leap the fall,
Split at the rock and together again,
Accept my bed, or narrow or wide,
And flee from folly on every side.
With a lover's pain to attain the plain    
Far from the hills of Habersham,    
Far from the valleys of Hall.

                               From "Song of the Chattahoochee"

Comments

[American Daughter]

I just stopped by to say hello. You seem to cherish many of the same poets that I have loved and memorized.

And that Mother's Day piece tears at my heart. You are such an evocative writer.

And an icon of the American South.