RUNAWAY RIVER

Boy, do you know where it runs to sea? Brown little girl, do you? Runaway river, laughing and free, Dappled and warm and blue? Follow the curve of the meadow there Over the hill, and then, Where the marsh lilies droop in the careless wind Look to the south again. There you will see it running away; Ah, it is bold and free! Never a truant so brave has been Never so brave will be; Running away, with never a care If all of the blossoming trees Cry, “Wait, little river, stay here a while,” Reaching their arms to tease.

Bad little shadows, who long to roam Slip in its depths to hide Good little ones, who are happy at home, Sleep in the reeds at its side; Runaway river, laughing and free, Dappled and warm and blue Boy, do you know where it runs to sea? Brown little girl, do you?”