 | Poems by James Rhoades |  |
121
VII.
[I saw in dream where met proud rivers twain]
I saw in dream where met proud rivers twainFrom the East and West—one without storm or stain,
Clear-eyed and paved with crystal, as to glass
The merest speck that in the air might pass
Above it; the other, from remoter springs,
Soil'd with long travel and passionate outgoings,
Full-vein'd and swoll'n with ore from the iron rock,
Impetuous sped to meet it: at the shock
Earth reeled, and heaven grew dark with sudden gloam
Above the impenetrable spray. What wonder,
If men's eyes, baffled by the blinding foam,
Saw not beyond, where 'scaped the smoke and thunder,
Through prosperous fields, bright-blazon'd fold on fold,
One clear strong stream their glorious course they hold?
| Poems by James Rhoades | |