Classic Poem

What shall I see if ever I go
Over the mountain wall?
Here I see naught but fields of snow
Past where the firs and the pine trees grow;
Thence is my heart ever turning,
Deep for the journey burning.

Th' eagle is speeding his tireless way
Over the mountain wall;
Cutting the young and vigorous day
With a mighty heart as he seeks his prey;
Sweeps now with downward motion —
Now seeks the distant ocean.

Leaf-laden apple tree, thou wouldst not go
Over the mountain wall!
Willing each summer-time here to grow;
Waiting till spring melts the winter's snow;
Birds through thy boughs are swinging;
Thou know'st not what they're singing!

He who for twenty years longed to go
Over the mountain wall;
Never the wish fulfilled to know,
Smaller and smaller each year must grow;
He knows what the birds are singing
While through thy branches swinging.

Chattering birds, say wherefore ye flew
Over the mountain wall;
Surely 'twere better beyond for you;
Higher the trees and broader the view;
Why with sad longings grieve me
While yet no wings ye leave me?

Ah! shall I never, never see
Over the mountain wall;
Must all my thoughts contracted be,
Ice-mantled walls encompass me,
Prison — while life is extended,
Tomb — when that life shall be ended?

Oh! I must fly from here, fly, fly, fly!
Over the mountain wall;
What if my heart's best aims be high,
Crushed 'neath this load they must sink and die.
Still hopes of deliv'rance cherish,
Not beat on these walls and perish!

Some time, I know, I shall journey afar
Over the mountain wall;
Lord! is thy door already ajar?
Dear is the home where thy loved ones are:
Bar it from me yet longer;
Make my desire for thee stronger!