Classic Poem

Oh the coast of green Bohemia,
Where the shining sea
Laughs to shame the learned fables
Of geography!

Whither from inclement seasons
Flee uncaptained ships
Freighted with forbidden raptures
Ripe for lovers' lips!

Shining paths of green Bohemia!
Sweetly there holds sway
One who smiles on all our homage
In her gracious way.

Tall and stately, white and shapely,
From her slender hands
Falls the spell of foreign longing
Flower of far-off lands [.]

Love and laughter, tears and kisses,
Joy of passéd pain,
Purposes that missed completion,
Battles gained in vain!

Oh the ways where things are fairer
Even than they seem,
And our Lady lures us always,
Almoner of dream!