Hesper Poem by Rose Terry Cooke

Sunset on the mountains hoary,
Deepens into night;
Day hath lost its crown of glory,
Life hath lost its light.

In mine eyes the tears are springing,
For thy face I see;
In my heart its dreams are singing,
Mournful songs of thee.

All the sunshine fled from heaven
With thy closing eyes;
Yet on me, at lonely even,
Clear as stars they rise.

Though the way be long and dreary
Down the mountain's side,
I no more can call it weary,
Thou art there my bride!

I behold thy garments flowing,
Snow-like, in the moon;
See thy parted lips are glowing,
Red as flowers in June.

Underneath the daisies lying,
Lost in dreamless sleep;
Thou hast heard my nightly crying,
Thou hast left my sleep.

All the night in visions tender,
Love and life return;
Until morning's cloudy splendor
O'er the hills shall burn.

Day glides o'er the meadow,
Love and life to steal;
But the first star's trembling shadow
Brings a bridal peal.