Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


RIVER AND SEA by ELLA WHEELER WILCOX

Poet Analysis

First Line: WE STOOD BY THE RIVER THAT SWEPT
Last Line: "TO THOSE WHO HAVE LOOKED ON THE SEA."
Subject(s): LAKES; RIVERS; SEA; POOLS; PONDS; OCEAN;

We stood by the river that swept
In its glory and grandeur away;
But never a pulse o' me leapt,
And you wondered at me that day.

We stood by the lake as it lay
With its dimpled face turned to the light;
Was it strange I had nothing to say
To so fair and enchanting a sight?

I look on your tresses of gold --
You are fair and a thing to be loved --
Do you think I am heartless and cold
That I look and am wholly unmoved?

One answer, dear friend, I will make
To the questions your eyes ask of me:
"Talk not of the river or lake
To those who have looked on the sea."



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