University of Virginia Library

THE HALL OF JUDGMENT

The Forest-Ranger's Courtship

To this vague court of judgment we appeal
To this tremendous wind-swept range we call—
Be with us through the fall;
Though we are far away, and this majestic hall
Seems alien to the eastern falling leaves,
October apples and October sheaves.
We have the dream of conquering all the maps,
Of taking our twelve sons around the world:
We will not be stopped by rain or snow,
Or caught in little traps.
We would be unchained from dusty houses;
We would enjoy, then leave the largest towns.
We would enjoy and love the oldest neighbors,
Worn only here in the flowers' hall of justice,
Worn only in this great court of appeals,
Here would our tribe judge and be judged forever,
Here we would be sealed with sacred seals,
Till none can move us, or distress
Except the wilderness;
Till none can comfort, harry, or caress
Except the wilderness;
Till thus, by being free
And filled with the waterfall's mirth,
Our house, our twelve bright sons,
And our own souls
Explore and conquer the wilderness of earth,
All trails of the earth.