Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


LULLABY by HARRIET MONROE

Poet Analysis

First Line: MY LITTLE ONE, SLEEP SOFTLY
Last Line: TOGETHER--I AND YOU.
Subject(s): DEATH - CHILDREN; DEATH - BABIES;

My little one, sleep softly
Among the toys and flowers.
Sleep softly, O my first-born son,
Through all the long dark hours.
And if you waken far away
I shall be wandering too.
If far away you run and play
My heart must follow you.

Sleep softly, O my baby,
And smile down in your sleep.
Here are red rose-buds for your bed--
Smile, and I will not weep.
We made our pledge--you had no fear;
What then to fear have I?
Though long you sleep, I shall be near;
So hush--we must not cry.

Sleep softly, dear one, softly--
They cannot part us now;
Forever rest here on my breast,
My kiss upon your brow.
What though they hide a little grave
With dream-flowers, false or true?
What difference? We will just be brave
Together--I and you.



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