Rev. Norman Pinney (1800–1862)

CALM Twilight! in thy wild and stilly time,

When summer flowers their perfumes shed around,

And naught, save the deep, solitary sound

Of some far bell is heard, with solemn chime

Tolling for vespers, or the evening bird,

Carolling music in the shady grove,

Sweet as the pure outpourings of first love,

While not a leaf by Zephyr’s breath is stirred,—

Bright thoughts of those beloved and dearest come,

Like sunset rays upon the azure wave;

And joys which blossomed in the bower of home

The dews of memory with freshness lave.

O, that my last day-beams of life would shine,

As mildly beautiful, calm hour, as thine!