SUNDAY NIGHT

Tossing, throughout this tense and nervous night

Sleepless I drowse. My soul, for lack of rest,

Sinks like a bird, that after flight on flight

Misses the shelter of its well-loved nest.

So would I gain your side and seek, my love,

The comfortable heaven of your breast.

Once more to lie beside the window seat,

And see, far off, the ribboned river-lights,

The yellow gas-lamps in the dusky street —

And pressing close, from proud and alien heights,

The noble skies and the inviolate stars

Surround and bless us these autumnal nights.

No words — the silence and your breathless name

Are all that's in the world; and faint and fair

The distant church-bells solemnly proclaim

To all the meek and sabbath-scented air...

I take you in my arms... and I awake

Groping, with restless anger, for a prayer.