Composed at Rothesay on the James
Part I
On this fine day the sky turns red blue purple stripes
Reflecting across the James—
The day is ending leaving this year a swirling setting sun.
Steady streams the river it’s glassy sunset ending in the James.
Tiny bits of ice floating in the current leaving this year behind.
Reflecting across the James—
Yellow blue orange now swirling in the new God’s gift to me.
On this fine day the sky turns darker, the colors sharper,
River reflecting the setting sun.
Once blue river is darker and darker, the setting sun no longer.
Stars await their shining fate to glimmer in the night, light to come in morning Dark dark dark is the river no reflection for the sun has set
One by one the stars appear, this new year with the setting of the sun
On this fine Day,
Reflecting on the River James.

Part II
What could the river tell me if it talked? What had he heard that escapes my ears?

Who has he seen in his looking glass?
Who has let their tears fill his basin?
Who has been comforted by his peaceful current?
Who has he given refreshment from his clean waters

Part III
I answer you now, seeker of my story.
For countless ages and generations past,
I have heard the thunder of cannons, the booming of muskets;
I have felt the tickling of the Indians’ oak canoes,
skillfully traveling in my tread.
I have been a road for lumber, floating to its destination.
I have seen the soldier’s uniform reflecting back at him, he
has slashed his face with my liquid, refreshed his hot brow.
I have seen the building of great mansions and heard the hammering of the builders tool. I have seen the resurrection of spring and the death of winter.