Poems (Dodd)/Death
For works with similar titles, see Death.
DEATH.
Thou sleepest! and so very still thou art, Thus in that deep, unbroken slumber lying,I watch to see the beating of thy heart, Or some emotion o'er thy features flying.Sad ones are gathered round thee, wildly weeping,Why shed they tears for one so calmly sleeping?
How fixed, how statue-like thy resting seems! I hear no sigh forth from thy bosom stealing,Such as is often breathed from troubled dreams, The weary heart's unquiet state revealing.That placid look unto my thoughts replying,Says thou art ever freed from pain and sighing.
How beautiful! the soft and glossy hair A portion of that pure, high forehead shading;The still, wan lips; the cheek so cold and fair, Like a white rose upon a snow-wreath fading;The marble lid over the dark eye closing,And the long lash on the pale cheek reposing.
Can this be Death? Comes he in such sweet guise, The cherished idol from our bosom taking?Has his cold hand sealed up those gentle eyes In the calm sleep which knows no earthly waking?Deceitful Death, thus to the fond gaze leavingThe casket fair, while of the gem bereaving.
Yes this is death. To the dark, silent tomb, In all thy loveliness thou wilt be takenSpring's balmy gales, and summer's wealth of bloom, To life and health can thee no more awaken:How little dreamed we of so soon beholding,The coffin and the shroud thy form enfolding.
Rest thee in peace! Thou hast been called to meet The babe who went a little while before thee;Soon will its loving eyes thy coming greet, Its seraph wings e'en now are hovering o'er thee;And praised be God! there is a hope remaining,The mourner's heart in this sad hour sustaining.
Hope in a Saviour, who with dying breath, To the tried soul hath a sure promise given,That all who triumph over sin and death, Shall walk in white with the redeemed in heaven:And every heart his blessed words receiving,Shall find sweet peace and comfort in believing.