Poetry

THE RIVER OF REST.

Joaquin Miller


  • A beautiful stream is the River of Rest;
  • The still, wide waters sweep clear and cold,
  • A tall mast crosses a star in the west,
  • A white sail gleams in the west world's gold:
  • It leans to the shore of the River of Rest
  • The lily-lined shore of the River of Rest.

  • The boatman rises, he reaches a hand,
  • He knows you well, he will steer you true,
  • And far, so far, from all ills upon land,
  • From hates, from fates that pursue and pursue;
  • Far over the lily-lined River of Rest—
  • Dear mystical, magical River of Rest.

  • A storied, sweet stream is this River of Rest;
  • The souls of all time keep its ultimate shore;
  • And journey you east or journey you west,
  • Unwilling, or willing, sure footed or sore,
  • You surely will come to this River of Rest
  • This beautiful, beautiful River of Rest.