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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


NOCTURNE by BERNICE LESBIA KENYON

First Line: NOW OF THIS NEARNESS TAKE YOUR DEEP REPOSE
Last Line: AND LEAVE YOUR PEACE BEHIND.

I

Now of this nearness take your deep repose;
Put the dim world aside. . . .
Peace like the sea, as level and as wide,
Over your eyelids flows.

II

No time can touch you, where the slow profound
Measures of silence beat
Eternally, whose music is complete
Beyond all earthly sound.

III

Weighted with darkness bend your sorrowful head;
The wind upon your brow --
The firm, cool touch of quiet -- softly now
Is laid, till light be fled.

IV

Gone is the hunger -- the insatiate thing --
The slowly ravening flame;
Vanished the fear that had no certain name,
Most sure their banishing.

V

Slow tides of air move over you to fold
The ancient darkness near,
Where silently through cloud, faint stars appear,
That are so still and old.

VI

Oh, never shall the dream of morning find
Its way to you, nor break
Your shadow-marvel of rest, to bid you wake
And leave your peace behind.



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