NATURE
LORE
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Would
you learn of Nature
And all her wisdom prove,
Understand her secrets,
Comprehend her love?
Would you know the service |
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Of
rhythm and refrain?
Walk with the diurnal sun
And the tramping rain.
To
reach her sanctuary
Where inspiration dwells,
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Her
morning revelations,
Her twilight oracles,
Your eyes must wear her sea-hues,
Your cheek her seasons’ tan,
Your bearing the clam leisure |
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Of
her starry caravan.
Learn
the swing of snowshoes,
Time as time you must—
The ax-stroke in the wood-lot,
The hoof-beat in the dust, |
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Dip
and swing of paddle,
Thrust of setting-pole.
These will give you poise and flight,
These will make you whole.
The
waving grass shall show you
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25 |
The
highway to her door.
Every singing river
Chants her enticing lore.
Her twelve great winds come seeking
To teach you line by line |
30 |
The
harmonies of sense and soul
In music of the pine.
They
share great Nature’s rapture
Who tread her wilding trails,
Her desert stars will guide them
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When
every false flare fails.
Her wondrous heart is never
From wondering hearts estranged,
And you shall find at journey’s end
Her smiling grace unchanged. |
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