River Voices
RIVER VOICES
As I walked down by the river
Close by the sounding sea,
Up rose three water maidens
Who stretched white arms to me,
‘Comehere, you lilting stranger
Whowhistles as sharp as tin,
We’llgive you a bed, a crown for your head,
Andour hair to wrap you in.’
‘No thanks, my jacket’s good enough,
And my old black tarpaulin.’
Then ups the old green river-man,
‘Come Jerry my boy,’ says he,
‘There’s room for a bold young chaplike you
Under the water free.
I’llmake you lord of the river,
Walkingon silver sand,
Fineliquor you’ll sup from a golden cup,
Andthe fishes will kiss your hand.’
Says I, ‘Your advice is mightynice,
But I reckon I’ll stay on land.’
The last of all to surface
Was my lost love Nancy Gray,
She was wearing the ring I gave to her
A year last quarter day.
Hersmile was bright as sunshine
Inspite of the tears she wept,
Withan infant pressed against her breast
Thatlooked as though it slept –
‘Leap in my lad, be no more sad...’
So I looked at her, and leapt.
© Katherine Langrish 2025
Young Man on a Riverbank, Umberto Bocciano 1902, public domain:
