119 . Waking

ABOVE us hangs the jewelled night;

And how her restful cool caresses

Make us forget the weary sight

Of summer’s daily wildernesses!

O aching toil and hope deferred,

The night has made a promise to me;

She whispered, and a wonder stirred,

And still the joy is thrilling through me.

Smooth water, shadow deeply still,

I dare not move, you wait unsleeping

—You share the breathless hopes that fill

The watch my longing soul is keeping.

A fish is leaping in the bay;

The shafts of yellow light are shaking.

O glorious night and happy day,

Beneath my silent heart she’s waking.