lavender and roses

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

To Night


To Night
by Percy Bysshe Shelley
Swiftly walk over the western wave,
Spirit of Night!
Out of the misty eastern cave
Where, all the long and lone daylight,
Thou wovest dreams of joy and fear,
Which make thee terrible and dear, -
Swift be thy flight!
Wrap thy form in a mantle grey,
Star-inwrought!
Blind with thine hair the eyes of Day,
Kiss her until she be wearied out,
Then wander o'er city, and sea, and land,
Touching all with thine opiate wand -
Come, long-sought!
When I arose and saw the dawn,
I sighed for thee;
When light rode high, and the dew was gone,
And noon lay heavy on flower and tree,
And the weary Day turned to his rest,
Lingering like an unloved guest,
I sighed for thee.
Thy brother Death came, and cried
`Wouldst thou me?'
Thy sweet child Sleep, the filmy-eyed,
Murmured like a noontide bee
`Shall I nestle near thy side?
Wouldst thou me?' -And I replied
`No, not thee!'
Death will come when thou art dead,
Soon, too soon -
Sleep will come when thou art fled;
Of neither would I ask the boon
I ask of thee, beloved Night -
Swift be thine approaching flight,
Come soon, soon!


My father gave me a book of poetry by Percy Shelley when I was very young.  It was because I have always loved the star lit night that I thought this poem was so romantic. I hope you enjoy it too.

Thank you for visiting.

8 comments:

  1. I absolutely did Shelly.... How lovely of you to share this with us, thank you so much, I have not heard of Percy Shelley. May have to look him up.
    Smiles:)

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  2. oops... My daughter interrupted me as I was typing Susanne, and I typed the surname of the poet, instead of your name !DUH.
    Of course I know who you are, Percy yes that's it.
    More Smiles:)

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  3. Susanne, your card is so elegant, like all your creations. Thanks for this beautiful poetry.

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  4. Love your beautiful card, how you did the background and how perfect with your beautiful butterflies too!

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  5. Such a lovely poem and card! I really love doing evening themed projects too. It is such a different theme to design around. You did a wonderful job with your card and the color you used for the sky and the very light colored butterflies.

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  6. What a lovely place to visit Susanne! I feel right at home here, and we share many interests. I will enjoy catching up and following along!

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  8. Susan Allan said...
    Hi Suzanne.
    I think I have just re-discovered you. I love the poetry and the post before this about the clarinet player is just gorgeous. I have a new blog now you may not recognise me.
    I am at
    www.aviewoftheworldfromhere.blogspot.com

    I shall return to look at your lovely work and to read some more poetry.
    Sue xxx

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