Poem by Caroline Norton

Dreams

SURELY I heard a voice-surely my name
Was breathed in tones familiar to my heart!
I listened-and the low wind stealing came,
In darkness and in silence to depart.

Surely I saw a form, a proud bright form,
Standing beside my couch! I raised mine eyes:
'Twas but a dim cloud, herald of a storm,
That floated through the grey and twilight skies.

Surely the brightness of the summer hour
Hath suddenly burst upon the circling gloom!
I dream; 'twas but the perfume of a flower,
Which the breeze wafted through the silent room.

Surely a hand clasped mine with greetings fond!
A name is murmured by my lips with pain;
Woe for that sound-woe for love's broken bond.
I start-I wake-I am alone again! 

1. My Heart Is Like a Withered Nut!
2. Edward
3. My Childhood's Home
4. Escape from the Snares of Love
5. I Cannot Love Thee!

Henry Timrod Dreams ("Who first said "false as dreams?" Not one who saw")

Print

1507 Views

Last Poems

To Russian version