Friday night! come draw the curtain; I am weary with the week; Sit before the grate-fire with me. And together let us speak; Put aside your books and papers,— It is neither night nor day, And the Sabbath hour approaches; Put your endless toil away. Watch the fire-light—how it flickers! See the light and shadow play From the fender to the carpet And across the curtains gay; See its gentle fairy-fingers Touch the pictures on the wall, Giving them a life-like beauty, Lending grace to each and all. Over yonder hangs a picture Sheltered from the dancing gleam; See its dim uncertain outlines, Like the mem'ry of a dream, Watch when light dispels the shadow, And observe the lovely face; See, it seems the Sabbath Spirit, Cloth'd with pure and tender grace; Calling to your mind the missing Angels of our household band, Who, on bygone Sabbath evenings, Sat beside us, hand in hand; Bringing back our hopes and longings, Crowning them with light divine, Showing us our vain endeavors Softened by the glow of time; Speaking of its own sweet image, As our fathers knew it best,— Beautiful in true thanksgiving For the day of peace and rest; Teaching us to break the shadows, Hovering o'er its loved face, With the glowing light of fervor, Kindled by our ancient race. But I know I'm only dreaming, 'Tis a picture—nothing more,— Image of some lovely maiden Famed in song or fairy lore; Drop the curtain, watch the fire Till the shadows flee the light; Rest awhile within its gleaming, On this peaceful Sabbath night. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE LOST SHEEP by SARAH PRATT MCCLAIN GREENE SONNET: 86 by WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE GARDEN DAYS: 7. THE GARDENER by ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON ON BEING BROUGHT FROM AFRICA TO AMERICA by PHILLIS WHEATLEY THE DIFFERENCE by THOMAS BAILEY ALDRICH |