CANOE SONG 



By Samuel Alexander White. 



(Reprinted from "Sports Afield) 



Oh! it's Northward Ho! where the paddle drives 



And the sweating tump-line packs, 

 With an outland lease on our care-free lives 



And the dunnage bags on our backs. 



Has the tempest split in your deafened ear, 



As it tore the crags apart? 

 Has the deep night called with its thrill and fear? 



Has the rapid hissed in your heart? 



If you've heard the call of the Northland wide, 

 How your fierce, free blood will sing! 



How your bark will leap with its pulse as guide 

 To the winds where white waters spring! 



While the rivers smoke in the morning glare, 



While they reek in sunset dyes, 

 There are magic lures in the open air 



There are wondrous things for the eyes. 



So it's Northward Ho! where the paddle drives 

 And the sweating tump-line packs, 



With an outland lease on our care-free lives 

 And the dunnage bags on our backs! 



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