Skip to content
1868–1950

THE AWAKENING

Edgar Lee Masters

When you lie sleeping; golden hair Tossed on your pillow, sea shell pink Ears that nestle, I forbear A moment while I look and think

How you are mine, and if I dare To bend and kiss you lying there. A Raphael in the flesh! Resist I cannot, though to break your sleep

Is thoughtless of me — you are kissed And roused from slumber dreamless, deep — You rub away the slumber's mist, You scold and almost weep.

It is too bad to wake you so, Just for a kiss. But when awake You sing and dance, nor seem to know You slept a sleep too deep to break

From which I roused you long ago For nothing but my passion's sake — What though your heart should ache!

Cookies on Poetry Cove

We use cookies to remember your language preference and — only with your consent — to learn how Poetry Cove is used. You can change your mind any time.
THE AWAKENING · Edgar Lee Masters · Poetry Cove