Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, TO THE NIGHTJAR, by CHARLES WHITWORTH WYNNE


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

TO THE NIGHTJAR, by                    
First Line: When the moon hangs high in the heavens
Last Line: Till thy song comes over the hill.
Alternate Author Name(s): Cayzer, Charles
Subject(s): Nature; Night; Nightjars; Southern States; Bedtime; South (u.s.)


WHEN the moon hangs high in the heavens,
And the evening star shines bright,
The purr of the Nightjar leavens
The music of the night.

It speaks of the soft caresses
That Summer gave to June.
His murmurous voice impresses
The magic of the moon.

Past hill and dale it leadeth,—
Now far, now very near,—
While note to note succeedeth
More passionately clear.

O joy for the happy lover
To find, as he nears his bliss,
The song of the Nightjar cover
A maid's too-transient kiss!

While spirit with spirit blendeth,
The wheel-bird carols low;
Anon the vale he rendeth
With the fulness of his woe.

And in those deep embraces
He seems to bear a part—
In quiet, woodland places
Where heart clings close to heart.

Lips that the day did sever,
Spirits by song set free,
Now meet like an unchain'd river
As it mingles with the sea.

Whilst thro' and thro' their gladness
There thrills the Nightjar's song,
And to such old-world madness
He croons the whole night long.

Bird of the high-midsummer!
Silent, and swift, and shy,
Linger awhile, sweet hummer,
Beneath our northern sky.

For the lands of the South shall hear thee
When our nights are long and chill;
But my heart will be cold and dreary
Till thy song comes over the hill.





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