Death & Dying

In Memory (I)

by Lionel Johnson 1867–1902

From Poems (1895)

Death & Dying

Under the clear December sun,
Perishing and cold,
Sleep, Malise! who hast early won
Light of sacred gold.
Sleep, be at rest: we still will keep
Dear love for thee lain down to sleep.

Youth, loving faces, holy toil,
These death takes from thee:
But of our love, none shall despoil
Thy fair soul set free.
The labours of thy love are done:
Thy labour's crown of love is won.

Sleep, Malise! While the winds blow yet
Over thy quiet grave:
We, labouring deathward, will forget
Thee never: wherefore have
Hope, and pure patience: we, too, come
Presently to thee, in thine home.

1885.

MLA

Johnson, Lionel. “In Memory (I).” Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/johnson/44/.

Chicago

Johnson, Lionel. “In Memory (I).” Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/johnson/44/.

Read this poem with the Codex →

More by Lionel Johnson