Till I Wake

   Alone, I wait, till her twilight gate
                        The Night slips quietly through,
   With shadow and gloom, and purple bloom,
                        Flung over the Zenith blue.

   Her stars that tremble, would fain dissemble
                        Light over lovers thrown,—
   Her hush and mystery know no history
                        Such as day may own.
   Day has record of pleasure and pain,
   But things that are done by Night remain
                        For ever and ever unknown.

   For a thousand years, 'neath a thousand skies,
                        Night has brought men love;
   Therefore the old, old longings rise
                        As the light grows dim above.

   Therefore, now that the shadows close,
                        And the mists weird and white,
   While Time is scented with musk and rose;
                        Magic with silver light.

   I long for love; will you grant me some?
                        Day is over at last.
   Come! as lovers have always come,
                        Through the evenings of the Past.
   Swiftly, as lovers have always come,
   Softly, as lovers have always come
                        Through the long-forgotten Past.

Comments

Comments About This Poem

Share your interpretation, favorite passage, or thoughts about this famous poem. Please provide an in-depth and meaningful comment.

  • What do you think the poet was trying to say?
  • Which line had the biggest impact on you?
  • How does this poem relate to modern life?
  • What literary devices did you notice?
No comments have been posted yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace