To Bliss Carman

Great hearted brother to the wilderness, Comrade of Wind and Sea! Interpreter Of nomad Nature! Ere the quick'ning stir Of Spring-sap thrills the wood from sullen stress Of Winter's spell — away from throngèd press Of urban ways thy wild feet wander far Tracking the steps of some white Northern star Whose rays are beacon to thy restlessness. Weird mystic of the Northland's mystery, Thou‘ front'st the Unseen Shadow, nor dost fear To meet the Scarlet Hunter on the trail; Pagan as Pan; to all things sylvan dear, Nature's own vagrant, buoyant, driftless, free — All winds and woods and waters cry thee hail!