Albert Laighton

Asleep

Half veiled by the delaying twilight, lies
Each happy child. On eyes divinely blue
Slumber has fallen gently as the dew
On sleeping flowers. Beneath the open skies,
As careless as the tinselled butterflies.
For them the long June day too quickly fled.
O kindred angels, linger near and spread
Your sheltering pinions! Ere the faint light dies,
And fades the lovely vision from the sight, —
The pillowed beauty and the perfect rest, —
Would that some Raphael might the picture limn.
Too late! the shadows deepen into night;
And thinking such as these the dear Christ blessed.
With thankful love our hearts go out to Him.