Intro image by Kyle Yates

In celebration of the Clarion River’s status as Pennsylvania’s 2019 River of the Year, the Pennsylvania Great Outdoors Visitors Bureau will share one excerpt each month this year from the book “True Tales of Clarion River,” published in 1933 by George P. Sheffer and the Northwestern Pennsylvania Raftsmen’s Association. The below poem, “On the Banks of the Beautiful Clarion,” was written by Irene Furman Rodgers of Butler, Pennsylvania.

In my last lone days I shall feel at rest,
If I only can go where I love best,
Where the tall trees stand like a sentinel,
And the fragrant pines whisper, “All is well,”
On the banks of the beautiful Clarion.

Where the great cathedral of earth and sky
Is fill’d with praises to God, on high
As the pine-tree organ pipes its notes,
And the music of rippling water floats,
On the banks of the beautiful Clarion.

Where the sand-springs bubble, and spurt, and run
To cool the thirst of a weary one;
Where the pine-needle carpet is soft and sweet,
To cool the ache of returning feet,
On the banks of the beautiful Clarion.

Where the ruff’ed grouse, and the deer, and bear
Abide in peace in their forest lair
‘Mid the mossy rocks which the Lord hath made
To pillow the dreamer’s aching head,
On the banks of the beautiful Clarion.

My heart shall rest when the day is done,
And I’ll welcome the time of my setting sun,
If I only can reach that woodland goal
Where the fragrance of pine is good for the soul
On the banks of the beautiful Clarion.

Learn more about the Clarion River and find other interesting places to visit in the Pennsylvania Great Outdoors region by going to VisitPAGO.com or calling (814) 849-5197.