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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


SONGS OF THE SEA CHILDREN: 61 by BLISS CARMAN

First Line: THE FOREST LEAVES WERE ALL ASLEEP
Last Line: LEST JOY SHOULD PASS AND COME NO MORE.
Subject(s): WAKING;

The forest leaves were all asleep,
The yellow stars were on the hill,
The roving winds were all away,
Only the tide was restless still,
When I awoke. My chamber dim
Was flooded by the cool, sweet night,
And in the hush I seemed aware
Of premonitions of delight.
Who called me lightly as I slept?
Who touched my forehead with soft hands?
Who summoned me without a sound
Back from the vague, mysterious lands?
It must have been my sleepless heart
Knocking upon his prison door,
To bid old Reason have a care
Lest Joy should pass and come no more.



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