Deep River: Collection of the Complete Poems of Archibald Rutlege

by Archibald Rutledge

Deep River, published in 1960, was perhaps his most famous collection of poetry. It was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize, and came in second to the work of famous poet
Robert Frost. On writing poetry, he said:

"My formula for writing is to find a subject worth writing about and then to make the writing simple, then to make it clear, then to make it reach to the heart, and then to make it beautiful."

Deep River, a collection of the complete poems of Archibald Rutledge, met its first publication in 1960. In the book the pet reveals what a leading South Carolinian has termed “A Love Affair With Life.” The collection is his best work for it gives the reader a candid and touching representation of the mind of Rutledge. He is the minstrel singing of nature in such poems as “In a Forest.” He is the poet of love in such sonnets as “The Miracle” and “The Light.” He is the religious writer in such works as “Night and God” and “Testimony.” He is the gentle singer of the south, but the song he sings is a song for the people of the world.

The R. L. Bryan Company takes pleasure in bringing to the reader a revised edition of Deep River, containing the works appearing in the former publication with additional selections. When the poet himself says, “Now just one little song here — one more,” the people are ready to listen.

The following poems are from Deep River; A Collection of the Complete Poems of Archibald Rutledge.

from Spanish Moss

In Spanish moss there's a mystery:
It veils the southern coast;
It shrouds the oaks and cypresses;
In it the little birds are lost.
It makes each wood a haunted place,
And every tree a ghost.

Permanent Wave

As my train sped through Lula,
A tiny Georgia town,
Dreaming amid the quiet hills,
Unknown to earth's renown,
A little girl stood waving
At my proud heedless train;
I had just time to wave to her,
And see her wave again
When she was lost forever
Behind a low green hill,
But I shall always see her there,
Smiling and waving still.

635 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1960

About the author

Archibald Hamilton Rutledge (1883-1973) was a South Carolina poet laureate. He is remembered as one of America's best-loved outdoor writers. His short stories appeared in Outdoor Life and Field and Stream, plus he wrote more than 50 books including An American Hunter (1937), Old Plantation Days (1907) and Wild Life of the South (1935).