When the summer gave us a longer day, <br />And the leaves were thickest, I went away: <br />Like an isle, through dark clouds, of the infinite blue, <br />Was that summer-ramble from London and you. <br /> <br />It was but one burst into life and air, <br />One backward glance on the skirts of care, <br />A height on the hills with the smoke below- <br />And the joy that came quickly was quick to go. <br /> <br />But I know and I cannot forget so soon <br />How the Earth is shone on by Sun and Moon; <br />How the clouds hide the mountains, and how they move <br />When the morning sunshine lies warm above. <br /> <br />I know how the waters fall and run <br />In the rocks and the heather, away from the sun; <br />How they hang like garlands on all hill-sides, <br />And are the land's music, those crystal tides. <br /> <br />I know how they gather in valleys fair, <br />Meet valleys those beautiful waves to bear; <br />How they dance through the rocks, how they rest in the pool, <br />How they darken, how sparkle, and how they are cool. <br /> <br />I know how the rocks from their kisses climb <br />To keep the storms off with a front sublime; <br />And how on their platforms and sloping walls <br />The shadow of oak-tree and fir-tree falls. <br /> <br />I know how the valleys are bright from far, <br />Rocks, meadows, and waters, the wood and the scaur; <br />And how the roadside and the nearest hill <br />The foxglove and heather and harebell fill. <br /> <br />I know-but the joy that was quick to go <br />Gave more knowledge to me than words can shew; <br />And <br />you <br />know the story, and how they fare <br />Who love the green earth and the heavenly air.<br /><br />George MacDonald<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/from-north-wales-to-the-mother/
