Page:Poems Rossetti.djvu/455

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A HOPE CAROL.
427
A HOPE CAROL.
A NIGHT was near, a day was near,
Between a day and night
I heard sweet voices calling clear,
  Calling me:
I heard a whirr of wing on wing,
But could not see the sight;
I long to see my birds that sing,
  I long to see.

Below the stars, beyond the moon,
Between the night and day
I heard a rising falling tune
  Calling me:
I long to see the pipes and strings
Whereon such minstrels play;
I long to see each face that sings,
  I long to see.

To-day or may be not to-day,
To-night or not to-night,
All voices that command or pray
  Calling me,
Shall kindle in my soul such fire
And in my eyes such light
That I shall see that heart's desire
  I long to see.