At Noon--And Midnight

written by


« Reload image

Far in the night, and yet no rest for him! The pillow next his own
  The wife's sweet face in slumber pressed--yet he awake--alone!
  alone!
  In vain he courted sleep;--one thought would ever in his heart
  arise,--
  The harsh words that at noon had brought the teardrops to her eyes.

  Slowly on lifted arm he raised and listened. All was still as death;
  He touched her forehead as he gazed, and listened yet, with bated
  breath:
  Still silently, as though he prayed, his lips moved lightly as she
  slept--
  For God was with him, and he laid his face with hers and wept.

© James Whitcomb Riley