Poems (Rossetti, 1901)/A Hope Carol

by Christina Georgina Rossetti

A HOPE CAROL.

A NIGHT was near, a day was near,
 Between a day and night
I 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 day
I 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 light
That I shall see that heart's desire
  I long to see.