Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


TURN DOWN THE LAMP by FENTON JOHNSON

First Line: TURN DOWN THE LAMP, MY LIFE IS DONE
Last Line: MY HOUR HAS COME, TURN DOWN THE LAMP.
Subject(s): DEATH; DEAD, THE;

Turn down the lamp; my life is done.
The fitful moments drift to ease --
Rosemary for the dreams that died,
And mignonette for cherished hopes.
Turn down the lamp; my soul gains life;
I rise above the narrow pale
Of cities bought with gold and slime,
I spread my sorrow strengthened wings
Above the armies of the world,
In quest of kingdoms built in youth.
The hour of death that men call life
Is closing as a troubled dream,
The flame within my lamp is low,
I seek eternal liberty,
The freedom of the endless sky.
Good nurse, enfold my arms,
And cool the fever of my brow,
My hour has come, turn down the lamp.



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