A Christmas Sonnet
I wake at midnight from a slumber deep.
Hark! are the clear stars singing? Sweet and low,
As from far skies, floats music’s liquid flow,
Waking earth’s happy children from their sleep.
Now, from the bells a myriad voices leap,
And all the brazen lilies are aglow
With rapturous heart-beats, swinging to and fro
As the glad chimes their rhythmic pulsing keep.
O soul of mine, join thou the high refrain
That rings from shore to shore, from sea to sea,
Like song of birds that do but soar and sing!
O heart of mine, what room hast thou for pain?
With love and joy make holy symphony,
And keep to-day the birthday of thy King!