Poems (Sharpless)/Midnight
For works with similar titles, see Midnight.
MIDNIGHT
There's not a star in all the sky, Only a mass of stormy cloud;And through the naked shuddering trees The wind wails loud.
Aroused from sleep by vague unrest, In vain I seek a sound, a sightOf hope, or sympathy to cheer The lonely night.
No footstep in the silent street, All still except the sob and moanOf the wild wind, as it and I Watch here alone.
A heavy sorrow weighs my heart, With anguish far too deep for tears;Thinking of sad Humanity Thro' the long years.
Death is so solemn, Life so sad, And Poverty and Sin so strong;And as in shadows, all the world Seems steeped in wrong.
Was it an angel's whisper clear That thrilled along that blast's fierce close,That stilled my heart, and softly said, "The Father knows "?
No storm shall rage but as He will; No tiniest bird unnoted fall;No heart breathe an unheeded sigh;— He sees them all.
Oh! blessed Lord of Life and Death! This suffering and perplexing worldIs shielded by supremest Love Around it furled.
And He who watched o'er Israel Shall slumber not, nor cease to keepOne single soul. So calmed and hushed Again I sleep.