EAGLE LAKE VIEWED FROM

CADILLAC MOUNTAIN, MOUNT DESERT

  

This oil on paperboard, by Frederick Church,

Is like a window facing toward the west.

A cross of light descends toward the crest

Of tiny Mount Katadhin--out of reach

Of eye and mind, where Nature is not etched

Upon the time and space of Intellect,

And thus composed aesthetically, and set

In order, as the German sages teach.

 

This evening, through this window, Eagle Lake

Spreads deep and clear; quiescent and yet wild.

Before us comes a mother, whose boy child

Descends the ruddy rocks and spiny brake--

While she alone sits gazing down below

At worlds of airy bubbles that she blows.