A Memory

Somewhile before the dawn I rose, and stept Softly along the dim way to your room And found you sleeping in the quiet gloom, And holiness about you as you slept. I knelt there; till your waking fingers crept About my head, and held it. I had rest Unhoped this side of Heaven, beneath your breast. I knelt a long time, still; nor even wept. It was great wrong you did me; and for gain Or that poor moment’s kindliness, and ease, and sleepy mother-comfort! Child, you know How easily love leaps out to dreams like these, Who has seen them true. And love that’s wakened so Takes all too long to lay asleep again.