After Sunset

REST--rest--four little letters, one short word,

Enfolding an infinitude of bliss--

Rest is upon the earth. The heavy clouds

Hang poised in silent ether, motionless,

Seeking nor sun nor breeze. No restless star

Thrills the sky's gray-robed breast with pulsing rays,

The night's heart has throbbed out.

No grass blade stirs,

No downy-wingèd moth comes flittering by

Caught by the light--Thank God, there is no light,

No open-eyed, loud-voiced, quick motioned light,

Nothing but gloom and rest.

A row of trees

Along the hill horizon, westward, stands

All black and still, as if it were a rank

Of fallen angels, melancholy met

Before the amber gate of Paradise--

The bright shut gate, whose everlasting smile

Deadens despair to calm.

O, better far

Better than bliss is rest! If suddenly

Those burnished doors of molten gold, steel-barred,

Which the sun closed behind him as he went

Into his bridal chamber--were to burst

Asunder with a clang, and in a breath

God's mysteries were revealed--His kingdom came--

The multitudes of heavenly messengers

Hastening throughout all space--the thunder quire

Of praise--the obedient lightnings' lambent gleam

Around the unseen Throne--should I not sink

Crushed by the weight of such beatitudes,

Crying, "Rest, only rest, thou merciful God!

Hide me within the hollow of Thy hand

In some dark corner of the universe,

Thy bright, full, busy universe, that blinds,

Deafens, and tortures--Give me only rest!"

O for a soul-sleep, long and deep and still!

To lie down quiet after the weary day,

Dropping all pleasant flowers from the numbed hands,

Bidding good-night to all companions dear,

Drawing the curtains on this darkened world,

Closing the eyes, and with a patient sigh

Murmuring "Our Father"--fall on sleep, till dawn!