Book 10 — NOCTURNE
Reading edition
WILLARD ANSLEY GIBSON '08
Over the hills Softly the slumber light Seems to me creeping, Stealing with twilight, While the world sleeping Breathes in the lower light Prayers for its loved ones Over the hills.
Stars watch, and the fire glows, Fading it goes, fainter it glows, Lips of vain speaking silently close— The breath comes, but the breath goes.
Some mothers stifled lie, Sobbing till life is gone; Some fathers bitter die In their remorse ere dawn;
Stars watch, and the fire glows— Something comes, something goes.
Far in the night Beckon the locust trees, Whispering, calling, And from their drooping leaves White blossoms falling Float on a magic breeze, Far in a phantom world, Far in the night.
Clocks chime and the night goes, Slowly it goes, brighter it grows, Tired hands folded rest in repose— The breath comes, but the breath goes.
Some watchers on the hill Wide-eyed await the dawn; Some workers in the mill Wearying are toiling on;
Clocks chime, and the night goes— Slowly it lighter grows.
Literary Monthly, 1910.