Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


HIS VIGIL by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY

Poet Analysis

First Line: CLOSE THE BOOK AND DIM THE LIGHT
Last Line: JUST AS GOD WERE SITTING HERE.
Subject(s): BOOKS; GOD; NIGHT; READING; BEDTIME;

CLOSE the book and dim the light,
I shall read no more to-night.
No -- I am not sleepy, dear --
Do not go: sit by me here
In the darkness and the deep
Silence of the watch I keep.
Something in your presence so
Soothes me -- as in long ago
I first felt your hand -- as now --
In the darkness touch my brow:
I've no other wish than you
Thus should fold mine eyelids to,
Saying naught of sigh or tear --
Just as God were sitting here.



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