Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE MESSAGE by HENRY VAN DYKE

First Line: WAKING FROM TENDER SLEEP
Last Line: YOUR MESSAGE HAS BEEN GIVEN.
Subject(s): EUCHARIST; COMMUNION;

WAKING from tender sleep,
My neighbour's little child
Put out his baby hand to me,
Looked in my face, and smiled.

It seems as if he came
Home from a happy land,
To bring a message to my heart
And make me understand.

Somewhere, among bright dreams,
A child that once was mine
Has whispered wordless love to him,
And given him a sign.

Comfort of kindly speech,
And counsel of the wise,
Have helped me less than what I read
In those deep-smiling eyes.

Sleep sweetly, little friend,
And dream again of heaven:
With double love I kiss your hand, --
Your message has been given.



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