Page 23 - New Medley 3 Semester 2

Read and Enjoy S E L • Self direction

In this poem, the poet expresses his love for the freedom that
travelling gives him. Most of all, it gives him an opportunity to be
close to nature and enjoy its wonders.

Give me the long, straight road before me,

A clear, cold day with a nipping air,
Tall, bare trees to run on beside me,

A heart that is light and free from care.

Then let me go! – I care not whither

My feet may lead, for my spirit shall be
Free as the brook that flows to the river,

Free as the river that flows to the sea.

—Olive Runner

Word Meanings

clear, cold day: bright and cloudless day; nipping air: cold and chilling weather;
bare trees: trees without leaves; light: happy; free from care: having no worries or troubles
whither: to which place; spirit: particular way of thinking; brook: a small stream

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