SKIPWITH CANNÉLL

(1887-1957)

Nocturnes

I

Thy feet,
That are like little, silver birds,
Thou hast set upon pleasant ways;
Therefore I will follow thee,
Thou Dove of the Golden Eyes,
Upon any path will I follow thee,
For the light of thy beauty
Shines before me like a torch.

II

Thy feet are white
Upon the foam of the sea;
Hold me fast, thou bright Swan,
Lest I stumble,
And into deep waters.

III

Long have I been
But the Singer beneath thy Casement,
And now I am weary.
I am sick with longing,
O my Beloved;
Therefore bear me with thee
Swiftly
Upon our road.

IV

With the net of thy hair
Thou hast fished in the sea,
And a strange fish
Hast thou caught in thy net;
For thy hair,
Beloved,
Holdeth my heart
Within its web of gold.

V

I am weary with love, and thy lips
Are night-born poppies.
Give me therefore thy lips
That I may know sleep.

VI

I am weary with longing,
I am faint with love;
For upon my head has the moonlight
Fallen
As a sword.