Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE IRISH MOTHER'S LAMENT, by CECIL FRANCES ALEXANDER


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE IRISH MOTHER'S LAMENT, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Half the long night, my children, I lie waking
Last Line: In the next glad spring time?
Alternate Author Name(s): Humprheys, Cecil Frances; Alexander, C. F., Mrs.
Variant Title(s): The Absent Ones
Subject(s): Death - Children; Mothers; Death - Babies


HALF the long night, my children, I lie waking
Till the dawn rustles in the old thorn tree,
Then dream of you, while the red morn is breaking
Beyond that broad salt sea;

In this poor room, where many a time the measure
Of your low, regular breathing in mine ear,
Brought to my listening heart a keener pleasure
Than any music clear;

Here, where your soft heads in my bosom laying,
Ye nestled, with your hearts to my heart pressed;
And I have felt your little fingers playing,
All night, around my breast.

How could ye leave me? Did ye think a mother
Was natured like a bird in summer's prime,
Who leaves her young brood, hopeful of another
In the next glad spring time?





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