A HAPPY LOITERER
Reading edition
Beneath our blue Colorado skies, Where tall mountains gladden eyes, Here I seek the care-free muse Till life’s burdens all I lose. Far away from Sorrow’s brood, How I love serene, sweet Solitude! What to me is worldling’s strife, While I lead this placid, unobtrusive life? Men or crosses, men of rules, Teach me not in Trouble’s schools. Wilful truant, I would lie Listening to the wild-bird’s melody. In my forest by the stream Let me worship, let me dream, Loving Nature and her ways, I would court her all my days.