Too Soon the
Hourglass Turns

O, let me sleep the immortal sleep

Of one who will dream forever!

            Betwixt the night and dark’ning day,

            When shadows steal our souls away,

Cut free from each vain endeavour.

Alas! Thy heart could not withstand

This plain, disenchanting portent

            As turns the glass from north to south

            And life’s sweet breath fades from thy mouth,

Relinquishing earth’s drab torment.

Though transient as a candle flame

Thy glow diminishes never.

            O, child of verse, the heavens weep

            That thou succumbed to that great sleep

Of one who will dream forever.

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