Goodbye Again, Cambridge!

I leave softly, gently, Exactly as I came. I wave to the western sky, Telling it goodbye softly, gently.

The golden willow at the river edge Is the setting sun‘s bride. Her quivering reflection Stays fixed in my mind.

Green grass on the bank Dances on a watery floor In bright reflection.

I wish myself a bit of waterweed Vibrating to the ripple. Of the River Cam. That creek in the shade of the great elms Is not a creek but a shattered rainbow, Printed on the water And inlaid with duckweed, It is my lost dream. Hunting a dream?

Wielding a long punting pole I get my boat into green water, Into still greener grass. In a flood of starlight On a river of silver and diamond I sing to my heart‘s content. But now, no, I cannot sing With farewell in my heart.

Farewells must be quiet, mute, Even the summer insects are silent, Knowing I am leaving. The Cambridge night is soundless. I leave quietly As I came quietly. I am leaving Without taking so much As absp; piece of cloud. But with a quick jerk of my sleave I wave goodbye.