Waking

Above us hangs the jewelled night ;
And how her restful cool caresses
Make us forget the weary sight
Of summer's daily wildernesses !
O aching toil and hope deferred,
The night has made a promise to me ;
She whispered, and a wonder stirred,
And still the joy is thrilling through me.

Smooth water, shadow deeply still,
I dare not move, you wait unsleeping
— You share the breathless hopes that fill
The watch my longing soul is keeping.
A fish is leaping in the bay ;
The shafts of yellow light are shaking.
O glorious night and happy day,
Beneath my silent heart she 's waking.