From North Wales: To The Mother

When the summer gave us a longer day,     And the leaves were thickest, I went away:     Like an isle, through dark clouds, of the infinite blue,     Was that summer-ramble from London and you.     It was but one burst into life and air,     One backward glance on the skirts of care,     A height on the hills with the smoke below--     And the joy that came quickly was quick to go.     But I know and I cannot forget so soon     How the Earth is shone on by Sun and Moon;     How the clouds hide the mountains, and how they move     When the morning sunshine lies warm above.     I know how the waters fall and run     In the rocks and the heather, away from the sun;     How they hang like garlands on all hill-sides,     And are the land's music, those crystal tides.     I know how they gather in valleys fair,     Meet valleys those beautiful waves to bear;     How they dance through the rocks, how they rest in the pool,     How they darken, how sparkle, and how they are cool.     I know how the rocks from their kisses climb     To keep the storms off with a front sublime;     And how on their platforms and sloping walls     The shadow of oak-tree and fir-tree falls.     I know how the valleys are bright from far,     Rocks, meadows, and waters, the wood and the scaur;     And how the roadside and the nearest hill     The foxglove and heather and harebell fill.     I know--but the joy that was quick to go     Gave more knowledge to me than words can shew;     And you know the story, and how they fare     Who love the green earth and the heavenly air.