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1859–1907

NOCTURN.

Francis Thompson

I walk, I only, Not I only wake; Nothing is, this sweet night, But doth couch and wake

For its love's sake; Everything, this sweet night, Couches with its mate. For whom but for the stealthy-visitant sun

Is the naked moon Tremulous and elate? The heaven hath the earth Its own and all apart;

The hush-ed pool holdeth A star to its heart. You may think the rose sleepeth, But though she folded is,

The wind doubts her sleeping; Not all the rose sleeps, But smiles in her sweet heart For crafty bliss.

The wind lieth with the rose, And when he stirs, she stirs in her repose: The wind hath the rose, And the rose her kiss.

Ah, mouth of me! Is it then that this Seemeth much to thee?— I wander only.

The rose hath her kiss.

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NOCTURN. · Francis Thompson · Poetry Cove