Comrades, up! Let us row down stream in this first rare dawnlight, <br />While far in the clear north-west the late moon whitens and wanes; <br />Before us the sun will rise, deep-purpling headland and islet, <br />It is well to meet him thus, with the life astir in our veins! <br /> <br />The wakening birds will sing for us in the woods wind-shaken, <br />And the solitude of the hills will be broken by hymns to the light, <br />As we sweep past drowsing hamlets, still feathered by dreams of slumber, <br />And leave behind us the shadows that fell with the falling of night. <br /> <br />The young day's strength is ours in sinew and thew and muscle, <br />We are filled and thrilled with the spirit that dwells in the waste and wold, <br />Glamor of wind and water, charm of the wildernesses <br />Oh, the dear joy of it, greater than human hearts can hold! <br /> <br />While the world's tired children sleep we bend to our oars with faces <br />Set in our eager gladness towards the morning's gate; <br />Lo, 'tis the sweet of the day! On, comrades mine, for beyond us <br />All its dower of beauty, its glory and wonder wait.<br /><br />Lucy Maud Montgomery<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/down-stream/
