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. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...COMING DOWN TO THE DESERT AT LORDBURG, N.M. by HAYDEN CARRUTH CONTRA MORTEM: THE CHILD by HAYDEN CARRUTH I COULD TAKE by HAYDEN CARRUTH SONG:SO WHY DOES THIS DEAD CARNATION by HAYDEN CARRUTH THE LITTLE FIRE IN THE WOODS by HAYDEN CARRUTH DESPAIR by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON FINIS by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON SORROW SINGERS by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON DOMESDAY BOOK: HENRY BAKER, AT NEW YORK by EDGAR LEE MASTERS |