Page:Oregon Literature by Horner.djvu/21

Rh long ago—the songs whose voices have long been stilled.

Every great poem has an experience back of it; this will explain why many of the immortal songs are the out-growth of war. While the author of the "Beautiful Willamette" may have never been able to recall the particular event that brought out all his poetic energies in this special instance, yet there was an event and that event was followed by an experience; and the poem relates it in the notes of its song. Just what it was I know not, but some day there will appear upon the stage of literary achievement a penetrating, discriminating, discerning intellect that will fathom the full meaning of the poem, and read the secret to the world. However, one who poses not as a philosopher or sage, but who has studied the poem carefully, could imagine that the author might have caught sight of the great, winding sheet of water and, overcome with its smoothness and beauty at once contrasted the placid river with his turbulent life. At this moment came the spirit of the old songs floating along in rhythmic measures upon the music of the waters and the poet sat down and wrote these immortal lines:

"Onward ever,

Lovely river,

Softly calling to the sea;

Time, that scars us,