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Night, a prayer-poem by Miriam del Banco (1932)

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Night
The weary Day has leaned her head in slumber
On Evening’s breast;
Her songs and sighs and voices without number
Are hushed to rest,
While somber Midnight veils, with tender grace,
Her sleeping face.
Now, from some mystic realm, unknown to mortals,
Where silence deep
Reigns evermore, through softly-gliding portals,
Comes blessed Sleep,
And with her lotus-blooms and poppy leaves
A garland weaves.
A thousand hands lie motionless in slumber;
A thousand eyes,
Kissed by Repose, gaze through her gates of wonder
On paradise;—
Poor weary eyes! so often wet with tears,
And dim with fears!
Poor hearts! so many with a load of sorrow,
A hidden care!
O may they gather strength to meet the morrow,
And nobly bear
The ceaseless struggle and the silent strife
That men call “life”;
And may the joy that sometimes throws a glimmer
Across their way—
Pale as the silvery shreds of moonlight shimmer
At dawn of day—
O may it through their dreams like music steal,
And bless, and heal!
And while these countless stars in solemn splendor
Their vigil keep,
O Father, let Thy hand, so kind and tender,
Protect their sleep!
The morn will bear its song of praise to Thee
From them, and me.

The prayer-poem “Night” by Miriam del Banco (1858-1931) was included in her posthumously published anthology, Poetry and Prose (1932), p. 90-91. The poem was likely published during her lifetime, but we do not know where or when. If you know, please leave a comment, or contact us. –Aharon Varady

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