Song of the Chattahoochee

Out of the hilltops, down the valleys, From the sun-soaked, leafy shrouds, I flow as the river, unfurl the glad chalice With laughter beneath the clouds.

High, high above, a vapor stick, To the open air I rise, I sparkle, I glisten, a diamond lick, Reflected in earth’s starry eyes.

And on I course through the bramble-glens, Stretching to the waiting sea; I gather the dreams of weary men, And lay them down eternally. —Sidney Lanier

• Sidney Lanier