Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, FRIDAY NIGHT, by MIRIAM DEL BANCO


Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

FRIDAY NIGHT, by                    
First Line: Friday night! Come draw the curtain
Last Line: On this peaceful sabbath night.
Subject(s): Dreams; Jews; Night; Sabbath; Shadows; Nightmares; Judaism; Bedtime; Sunday


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.





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