Moonlit Riverbank
after Thomas Moore
Thou silver stream that gently flowest through the valleys of my native land where willows bend and wildflowers growest and in thy tranquil depths a world is planned
In thy calm surface I behold a sight that doth enthrall my heart and senses bright a single leaf that on thy waters restest its delicate form reflected in thy light
And as I stand upon thy moonlit shore I ponder on the secrets thou dost store of ancient tales and legends whispered low and mysteries that in thy depths do lie in store
I took from Thomas Moore his fascination with Irish landscapes and his use of poetic language, and applied it to a minor detail, a single leaf on a river's surface. I aimed to capture his lyrical rhythm and refined tone in the poem.