Volume 3, Number 5 - Winter 1969
The Old "JAMES RIVER"
by J. L. Williams
Roll on, you swift running river
By the mountains, and through plane,
In your haste, to the ocean
Never, to return again.
It was in the years, of long ago
My grand-sires, built their homes near by,
Pleased with your unexcelled beauties
The fairest, beneath the sky.
Roll on, you never tiring river,
By the mountains, with their cedar crest,
I can see you, though far away
And your scenes, I love the best.
There were many of my kinsmen,
Who have now, left your shore
Have played with me in your waters,
And listened, to their soothing roar.
Roll on now, you busy river,
Stopping neither, by night or day
Flowing to "The Father of Waters"
You can't, in your greatness stay.
Many the crowds, who have gathered,
Upon your beautiful shore,
Where many a lad has said to the maiden
"I will love you forever more.
Roll on now, most sacred river
The pride of generations past,
Who grew frail, in years of service
While you, will forever last.
You suggest to us, gentle river
As your sparkling waters flow,
Of the great "River of Life"
Where the righteous spirits go.
Roll on, thou, most excellent river,
The Creator, set your pace
Growing, from rivulet to river,
With an all, abounding grace.
Flow on, ever, beautiful river
While it is the lot, of men,
To cease, their activities
At some, three score and ten.
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