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 !