Poems (Sherwin)/Dreams

by Elizabeth Sherwin

For works with similar titles, see Dreams.

DREAMS.

What are ye? ye visions—ye spells of the night,
 That darkness profound can illume?
Are ye sunshine from heaven—sent our darkness to light—
 To chase away sorrow and gloom?

Yes—yes—for when sleep's heavy chain hath fast bound
 My soul's narrow prison of clay,
My spirit, unshackled, in freedom can bound,
 Released from the thraldom of day.

Though the morn bring me bitterness, sorrow and care,—
 Though through day I in sadness may be,
And my brow the deep furrow of anguish may wear,
 In the hours of the night I am free.

Then all the dear faces that smiled on my youth,—
 The fond ones—the loved ones I greet:
"All that's holy in love—all that's lovely in truth,"
 With joyfulness then I can meet.

Then come, ye soft spells, loose the shackles of day,
 Spread before me dear scenes such as these,
Bind faster this dull heavy prison of clay,
 And my soul with bright visions thus please.