Poems (Larcom)/Sleep-Song

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4492411Poems — Sleep-SongLucy Larcom
SLEEP-SONG.
HUSH the homeless baby's crying,
Tender Sleep!
Every folded violet
May the outer storm forget.
Those wet lids with kisses drying,
  Through them creep.

Soothe the soul that lies thought-weary,
  Murmurous Sleep;
Like a hidden brooklet's song,
Rippling gorgeous woods among,
Tinkling down the mountains dreary,
  White and steep.

Breathe thy balm upon the lonely,
  Gentle Sleep;
As the twilight breezes bless
With sweet scents the wilderness:
Ah, let warm, white dove-wings only
  Round them sweep!

O'er the aged pour thy blessing,
  Holy Sleep;
Like a soft and ripening rain,
Falling on the yellow grain:
For the glare of suns oppressing,
  Pitying weep!

On thy still seas met together,
  Charmed Sleep;
Hear them swell a drowsy hymning,
Swans to silvery music swimming,
Floating with unruffled feather
  O'er the deep.