Tells the cumbrous page historic how the Missions rose and fell, Founded by the Frays Franciscan—long their souls in heaven dwell! How in wretched caravels the padres came from Mejico, Churchly gifts and treasures bearing o'er the long waves dipping slow; How when 'midst the dreary voyage storms hissed o'er the blackened sea, Calm their @3O Regina@1 mingled with that fearful minstrelsy. Fair as vale of Andalusia to their ocean-weary eyes, California spread her beauties 'neath a tent of cloudless skies. Rich as Spain's oft-chanted @3vegas@1 lay her valleys undefiled, And recalled their own Nevadas, white Sierras far and wild. To them seemed the mountain torrents, rushing down the cañons deep, As loved Tagus or as Darro from Granada's rugged steep. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...CHAMBER MUSIC: 27 by JAMES JOYCE TO A DEAD LOVER by LOUISE BOGAN THEY ACCUSE ME OF NOT TALKING by HAYDEN CARRUTH ALIENS (TO YOU - EVERYWHERE! DEDICATED) by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON MATERNITY by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON |