Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, A LEGEND OF MINNESOTA, by LILLIAN ATCHERSON


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

A LEGEND OF MINNESOTA, by                    
First Line: The stately pines came marching
Last Line: A paradise was born.
Subject(s): Minnesota; Pine Trees


The stately pines came marching
From out the north one day,
With dignity of motion
Their branches seemed to sway.
They came in strict formation,
A conquering green-robed band
To build a noble empire
Within a promised land.

The fairies had been summoned
From out a sunny clime,
Their dainty rustling mingled
With tinkling bells' sweet chime;
Convening on the border
They counseled with the pines,
On virgin soil great plans were laid
Within four border lines.

The pines built woodland temples
With aisles so dim and cool,
The brownies molded lake beds,
Each bed -- a sky-blue pool.
Gay fairies painted flowers,
While their queen in majesty
Shaped a noble river
And sent it to the sea.

They held their dedication
With faces toward the sun,
While Heaven smiled a blessing
On a noble task well done.
Then the pines receded northward,
To stand forever guard,
While kneeling fairies pleaded
Their work would ne'er be marred.

The east wind brought the raindrops,
The west wind flakes of snow,
The north and south wind wrestled
And sought their strength to show.
Then all the hosts united
To blow the victor's horn;
A great state had been founded,
A paradise was born.





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