Wild roved the Indians once On the banks of Grand River, And they built their little huts Down by that flowing river. In a pleasant valley fair, Where flows the river rapid, An Indian village once was there, Where now stands Grand Rapids. Indian girls and boys were seen, With their bow and quiver, Riding in their light canoes Up and down the river. Their hearts were full of joy, Happy voices singing Made music with forest birds, They kept the valley ringing. Indians have left and gone Beyond the Mississippi. They called the river Owashtenong Where stands this pleasant city. Louis Campau the first white man Bought land in Grand Rapids. He lived and died, an honored man By people of Grand Rapids. When Campau came to the valley No bridge was across the river; Indians in their light canoes Rowed them o'er the water. Railroads now from every way Run through the city, Grand Rapids; The largest town in west Michigan Is the city of Grand Rapids. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...FOR CHARLIE'S SAKE by JOHN WILLIAMSON PALMER FIRELIGHT by EDWIN ARLINGTON ROBINSON A BIRTHDAY by CHRISTINA GEORGINA ROSSETTI THE CITY CHILD by ALFRED TENNYSON THE BAREFOOT BOY by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER SPRING'S UNFOLDING by IRENE ARCHER EPITAPH; INSCRIPTION FOR A MONUMENT ERECTED BY GENTLEMAN FOR HIS LADY by JAMES BEATTIE |