5 June 1807 to 26 February 1898 (~91)
This poem hasn't been set to music yet, but you can still practice with the cloze game!
No more poems will be set to music
From 4 November 2026 I am not setting any more poems to music. Voting is closed. This poem will stay as text until the garden closes at midnight on 20 January 2028.
How to Play Cloze Games
A cloze game is a reading comprehension activity where certain words are removed from a text and you need to fill in the blanks with the correct words. This helps improve vocabulary, reading comprehension, and understanding of context.
Type In Mode
In this mode, you can:
- Type your answers directly into the blank spaces
- Get instant feedback as you type - correct answers show green, incorrect show red
- Use the keyboard for faster input and navigation
- Submit answers to check your overall progress
Drag & Drop Mode
Switch to Drag & Drop mode to:
- Drag words from the word bank and drop them into blank spaces
- Click on words in the bank to automatically fill blanks
- Click on blanks to select or clear them
Game Features
- Word Skip Selector: Choose how frequently words are removed (every 4th, 5th, 6th word, etc.)
- Progress Bar: Shows your completion percentage
- Color Feedback: Green for correct answers, red for incorrect ones
- Audio Player: Listen to the musical arrangement while you play (when available)
- Show Missing Words: View all the correct answers if you need help
- Reset Game: Start over with the same poem
- New Game: Get a different random poem
Winning
When you fill all the blanks correctly and submit your answers, you'll see a congratulations message! The progress bar will show 100% completion.
Tips
- Read the entire poem first to understand the context
- Look for grammatical clues (verb tense, articles, etc.)
- Use the audio player to hear the rhythm and flow (when available)
- Start with easier word skip settings (like every 8th word) and work your way up
- Don't be afraid to use "Show Missing Words" if you get stuck!
- Try both Type In and Drag & Drop modes to see which you prefer
Missing Words
River of Life, oh! if thy waters were
As bright as from afar they seem
As thick with islands, and as fair
As hope beholds them anchor'd sweet dream;
If they were paved with gems of delights
As lovers see them; I would sail with
Onward, for ever onward, day and night
And breathe summer till I reach'd the sea.
Oh! I would my sail at break of day
And launching forward a shout and song
Thro' shade of leaves and cleave my way,
And feast my heart with music day long;
And when the purple and the gold even
Flush'd the gray currents I would drop asleep
with rapturous eyes the hues of Heaven
And their unnumber'd shadows in the deep.
But thy still places into spin;
Thy free fair currents glittering in the sun
into shallows full of rocks within,
Or stilly into cataracts run;
Thy shores lead into howling wildernesses
Thro' of rose, thy overshadowing bowers
Hide perilous caverns where serpent hisses,
And dragons slumber underneath the flowers.
River Life, lo! I have furl'd my sail
Under the of these ancient trees,
I listen to the water's wail,
I fill mine ears with sighs that never cease,
If armed hearts come stronger out of Ill
The of conflict fills their eyes and ears;
Mine unaccustom'd will tremble still
With the old mirth and with early tears.