Classic and Contemporary Poetry
CRADLE SONG, by JOSEPHINE PRESTON PEABODY Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Lord gabriel, wilt thou not rejoice Last Line: To my heart, awake. Alternate Author Name(s): Marks, Lionel S., Mrs. | ||||||||
Lord Gabriel, wilt thou not rejoice When at last a little boy's Cheek lies heavy as a rose, And his eyelids close? Gabriel, when that hush may be, This sweet hand all heedfully I'll undo, for thee alone, From his mother's own. Then the far blue highways paven With the burning stars of heaven, He shall gladden with the sweet Hasting of his feet-- Feet so brightly bare and cool, Leaping, as from pool to pool; From a little laughing boy Splashing rainbow joy! Gabriel, wilt thou understand How to keep this hovering hand?-- Never shut, as in a bond, From the bright beyond?-- Nay, but though it cling and close Tightly as a climbing rose, Clasp it only so,--aright, Lest his heart take fright. (Dormi, dormi, tu: The dusk is hung with blue.) II Lord Michael, wilt not thou rejoice When at last a little boy's Heart, a shut-in murmuring bee, Turns him unto thee? Wilt thou heed thine armor well,-- To take his hand from Gabriel, So his radiant cup of dream May not spill a gleam? He will take thy heart in thrall, Telling o'er thy breastplate, all Colors, in his bubbling speech, With his hand to each. (Dormi, dormi, tu. Sapphire is the blue; Pearl and beryl, they are called, Chrysoprase and emerald, Sard and amethyst. Numbered so, and kissed.) Ah, but find some angel-word For thy sharp, subduing sword! Yea, Lord Michael, make no doubt He will find it out: (Dormi, dormi, tu. His eyes will look at you.) III Last, a little morning space, Lead him to that leafy place Where Our Lady sits awake, For all mothers' sake. Bosomed with the Blessed One, He shall mind her of her Son, Once so folded from all harms, In her shrining arms. (In her veil of blue, Dormi, dormi, tu.) So;--and fare thee well.-- Softly,--Gabriel ... When the first faint red shall come, Bid the Day-star lead him home, For the bright world's sake,-- To my heart, awake. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...HARVEST MOON: 1914 by JOSEPHINE PRESTON PEABODY TO A DOG by JOSEPHINE PRESTON PEABODY A CHANGELING GRATEFUL by JOSEPHINE PRESTON PEABODY A FAR OFF ROSE by JOSEPHINE PRESTON PEABODY CARAVANS by JOSEPHINE PRESTON PEABODY DANCE TIME by JOSEPHINE PRESTON PEABODY ENVOI by JOSEPHINE PRESTON PEABODY FORTUNE AND MEN'S EYES by JOSEPHINE PRESTON PEABODY HARVEST MOON: 1916 by JOSEPHINE PRESTON PEABODY HERITAGE by JOSEPHINE PRESTON PEABODY |
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