Night Poem by James Brunton Stephens

James Brunton Stephens

James Brunton Stephens

Borrowstounness, on the Firth of Forth, Scotland;

Night

Rating: 3.1


Hark how the tremulous night-wind is passing in joy-laden sighs;
Soft through my window it comes, like the fanning of pinions angelic,
   Whispering to cease from myself, and look out on the infinite skies.

Out on the orb-studded night, and the crescent effulgence of Dian;
   Out on the far-gleaming star-dust that marks where the angels have trod;
Out on the gem-pointed Cross, and the glittering pomp of Orion,
   Flaming in measureless azure, the coronal jewels of God;

Luminous streams of delight in the silent immensity flowing,
   Journeying surgelessly on through impalpable ethers of peace.
How can I think of myself when infinitude o'er me is glowing,
   Glowing with tokens of love from the land where my sorrows shall cease?

Oh, summer-night of the South! Oh, sweet languor of zephyrs love-sighing!
   Oh, mighty circuit of shadowy solitude, holy and still!
Music scarce audible, echo-less harmony joyously dying,
   Dying in faint suspirations o'er meadow, and forest, and hill!

I must go forth and be part of it, part of the night and its gladness.
   But a few steps, and I pause on the marge of the shining lagoon.
Here then, at length, I have rest; and I lay down my burden of sadness,
   Kneeling alone 'neath the stars and the silvery arc of the moon.

COMMENTS OF THE POEM
Terry Craddock 27 August 2014

Beautifully written with wonderful metaphorical images, incorporating the genius of James Brunton Stephens vision. Read this poem a few times and enjoy the rich depth of perception.10+

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very beautifully written poem about the night sky..descriptive and moving in a very poetic way..he must have been feeling the spirit of the night sky when he wrote this poem..it can be very inspiring...

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Jayatissa K. Liyanage 27 August 2014

Seems a beautiful portrait of a soothing night. Could have enjoyed a lot, if not for the language rather unfamiliar.

0 0 Reply
Kay Staley 27 August 2014

Not cool because of the old language. This is not really that impactful or relevant because it takes way to much work to wade through the language and try to understand.

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James Brunton Stephens

James Brunton Stephens

Borrowstounness, on the Firth of Forth, Scotland;
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