Along The River Side

I’ve stood upon a steamer’s deck,

     When summer skies were clear,

And watched the foamy fleck

     That left the vessel’s sheer.

Then passing Saybrook bar and light,

     The bridge that stretches wide,

Far dearer scenes have met my sight,

     Along the river side.

‘Tis there the grassy hillsides meet

     The fair Connecticut;

While now and then stands obsolete,

     A lonely fisher’s hut.

Then scattered farms and villages

Bring beauties multiplied;

Ah, yes, the place I reverence is

     The dear old river side.

Steep wooded hills we often pass,

     Then meadows waving green;

While far across the fragrant grass

     A gilded dome is seen.

Oh! Would I had a painted view

     To daily by me glide;

For I would keep it ever new,

     The charming river side.

Oct. 7, ‘91

Pub. in Riverside

Intelligence,

Essex, Ct.