Back Aa

Sixteen Poems

Close

<h2>A DREAM</h2> <div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> I heard the dogs howl in the moonlight night; I went to the window to see the sight; All the Dead that ever I knew Going one by one and two by two. </div> <div class="stanza"> On they pass'd, and on they pass'd; Townsfellows all, from first to last; Born in the moonlight of the lane, Quench'd in the heavy shadow again. </div> <div class="stanza"> Schoolmates, marching as when we play'd At soldiers once—but now more staid; Those were the strangest sight to me Who were drown'd, I knew, in the awful sea. </div> <div class="stanza"> Straight and handsome folk; bent and weak, too; Some that I loved, and gasp'd to speak to; Some but a day in their churchyard bed; Some that I had not known were dead. </div> <div class="stanza"> [11]A long, long crowd—where each seem'd lonely, Yet of them all there was one, one only, Raised a head or look'd my way: She linger'd a moment—she might not stay. </div> <div class="stanza"> How long since I saw that fair pale face! Ah! Mother dear! might I only place My head on thy breast, a moment to rest, While thy hand on my tearful cheek were prest! </div> <div class="stanza"> On, on, a moving bridge they made Across the moon-stream, from shade to shade, Young and old, women and men; Many long-forgot, but remember'd then. </div> <div class="stanza"> And first there came a bitter laughter; A sound of tears the moment after; And then a music so lofty and gay, That every morning, day by day, I strive to recall it if I may. </div> </div> <hr style="width: 65%;" />[12] <div style="break-after:column;"></div>

1 of 2

2 of 2