Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, MINETTA WATER, by ARTHUR GUITERMAN


Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

MINETTA WATER, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Deer-hoof dint and moccasin print
Last Line: Through the crumbled homes of men.
Subject(s): Animals; Brooks; Hunting; New York City - Dutch Period; Streams; Creeks; Hunters


Deer-hoof dint and moccasin print
Stamped the moss that rimmed my flow;
Adder's-tongue and fragrant mint
Grew -- where nothing now may grow;

Dragon-flies in shimmering schools
Reveled here, an airy rout;
Minnows rilled my glimmering pools,
Through my rapids flashed the trout.

Gone the hunter, fled the deer;
All the birds I loved are flown;
Men have hid my waters clear
Under piles of rigid stone.

Men have tombed my silver springs;
Yet, within the sunless caves
All unheard my torrent sings,
All unseen I pour my waves.

Mocking, delving, deep I lurk.
What! they dream my fount is dry?
Lo! I ruin all their work.
Mortal, they; but deathless, I.

Let them hold their gloomy day!
I that laugh shall rule at last.
When the massive walls decay,
When the towers to earth are cast,

I shall flash a clearer sun,
I shall lure my birds again;
Deep in bloom my streams shall run
Through the crumbled homes of men.





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