Poems (Spofford)/Under the Breath

by Harriet Prescott Spofford

UNDER THE BREATH.

Since tears will never bring thee back,
  Why should I weep?
I would not any moan of mine
  Should break thy sleep.

Sleep on, my baby! By thy side
  I will not stir
More than the bird that broods and dreams
  Deep in the fir,—

The bird that dreams of fluttering joy
  Full soon her own,
Nor sees the shadow at her feet
  Whose joy has flown!