Isle of Rest

Far back in the days of glory

which the classic bards have sung

in that age of song and story

when time and world was young

men dreamed of a happy island

far off in a summer sea

where life was a joy forever

and hearts from care were free.

Where the sad forgot their sorrow

and the sick forgot their pain

and the weary and heavy-hearted

found youth and joy again.

For never a shadow darkened

the skies of cloudless calm,

the health and hope came

wafted on every breath of balm.

And all down the weary ages

hearts heavy with care and pain

have sought for the happy island

still eager but still in vain.

The long, long quest is ended

the weary voyage is o’er

We have found that happy island

we have touched its radiant shore.

It lies not mystical,

wondrous far over the tropic main

but safe in the crystal bosom

of our beautiful Lake Champlain.

And here may the sad and weary

forget the world’s fierce strife

and the fainting heart gain courage

for the toilsome march of life.

For the voice of the singing waters

lulls pain and care to sleep

while afar the grand old mountains

their watch forever keep.

And dreaming under the cedars

or floating upon the bay

the weary and torn-worn pilgrim

is a careless child at play.

And pure is the air blown

over this fairest of inland seas

made sweet with the breath of clover

and the balm of fragrant trees.

The moonbeams bridge with silver

the waters of the bay

and the sunset paints with splendor

the hilltops far away.

Fair island, may peace and pleasure

dwell in thee forever more,

and calm be the rippling waters

that leave thy happy shore.

They have made thee a place in story

thou art linked to a hero’s fame

and the memories of his glory

throng ever about thy name.

Still speak of the brave who gave us the land

which our hearts love best and long

o' thou isle of heroes

to us be the isle of rest.

Lavinia Lucretia Fletcher Plumley

circa 1889

The view from North Hero across the Lake to mainland Vermont.

Lone seagull soaring over the Lake at dawn.

Early morning flock of gulls heading out to the Lake.

A pair of gulls flying in tandem amidst the flock.

Sailboat moored at a minor island between Champlain Island and mainland Vermont.

Mating pair of Lively Clouded Sulphur butterflies.

Cattle grazing under Autumn's first blush of color.

Devoid of human life, plants thrive with abandon.

Great blue heron surveying its territory in Grand Isle.

Early evening as mainland Vermont surrenders the day.

Moon rise over the Lake from North Hero.

Sun slowly setting over the Lake and the wind farms of New York.

*The heroes Ms. Fletcher Plumley refers to in her poem about Champlain Islands are Ethan and Ira Allen, members of the Green Mountain Boys who fought in the American Revolution. Ethan is better known for his military career and efforts to force the Continental Congress to recognize the territory of Vermont for statehood. Ira Allen is credited with the founding of the University of Vermont.