The River Kern

While I walk the pavement sooty In the town, Tread the stony path of duty Up and down, Oh, the Kern, all clad in beauty— Silver sheen On blue and green— Down his canon goes cascading, Cavalcading, Cannonading, Seizing all the brooks and fountains How they beat Their crystal feet!— Shouting to the haughty mountains, Giant peaks that frown ! Oh, my heart runs with the river Far away, Though through wintry streets I shiver Day by day! Oh, I see the sunshine quiver— Shafts of light That pause in flight!— While the Kern, with white feet prancing, Downward dancing, Gaily glancing, Shakes the massive earth from under— How he shocks The solemn rocks!— Shoves the mighty cliffs asunder, Bids them guard his play! Now I hear the horns a-blowing From the height, And I see white garments flowing Sheer and bright! Down the hills the Kern is going— Hear him call His legions all! Ye intrepid, oh come leaping! Leave your sleeping Swords from scabbards—hark, the clamor! Swift and free Oh would you be?— In the glory, in the glamour, Follow day and night !