Poems (Rossetti, 1901)/A Hope Carol
A HOPE CAROL.
A NIGHT was near, a day was near, Between a day and nightI heard sweet voices calling clear, Calling me:I heard a whirr of wing on wing, But could not see the sight;I long to see my birds that sing, I long to see.
Below the stars, beyond the moon, Between the night and dayI heard a rising falling tune Calling me:I long to see the pipes and strings Whereon such minstrels play;I long to see each face that sings, I long to see.
To-day or may be not to-day, To-night or not to-night,All voices that command or pray Calling me,Shall kindle in my soul such fire And in my eyes such lightThat I shall see that heart's desire I long to see.