Know you the River Near to Grez

Name: Know you the River Near to Grez
Author: Robert Louis Stevenson

The poem reflects on a river near Grez, characterized by its clarity and depth. It serves as a metaphor for enduring love, linking the speaker's emotions to the river's timeless flow. The river, ancient yet vibrant, runs through various landscapes, symbolizing the passage of time and the continuity of life. The speaker expresses a deep connection to the river, suggesting that their love, like the river, remains constant and unchanging despite physical distance. The imagery evokes a sense of nostalgia and longing, as the speaker's spirit resonates with the sounds of the water. The poem concludes with a hopeful affirmation that love can remain pure and refreshing, evolving gracefully over time.

By Robert Louis Stevenson · First published 1896 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Lyric · 186 words

First lines

KNOW you the river near to Grez, A river deep and clear? Among the lilies all the way, That ancient river runs to-day From snowy weir to weir.

Old as the Rhine of great renown, She hurries clear and fast, She runs amain by field and town From south to north, from up to down, To present on from past.

The love I hold was borne by her; And now, though far away, My lonely spirit hears the stir Of water round the starling spur Beside the bridge at Grez.

So may that love forever hold In life an equal pace; So may that love grow never old, But, clear and pure and fountain-cold, Go on from grace to grace.

What this Textopian page supports

Know you the River Near to Grez is listed on Textopian as a poem by Robert Louis Stevenson, dated 1896 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Poem
Author: Robert Louis Stevenson
Date: 1896 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Romanticism, Lyric, Nature Writing, Reflective
Length: 186 words
Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Genres

Poetry — The work is structured in verse, utilizing rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
Romanticism — Themes of nature, love, and nostalgia reflect the ideals of the Romantic movement.
Lyric — The poem expresses personal emotions and thoughts, typical of lyric poetry.
Nature Writing — The vivid descriptions of the river and its surroundings emphasize the beauty of nature.