Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Feb. 27, 1807 - Mar. 24, 1882

 

Daybreak

by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

A wind came up out of the sea,
And said, O mists, make room for me.

It hailed the ships, and cried, Sail on,
Ye mariners, the night is gone.

And hurried landward far away,
Crying, Awake! it is the day.

It said unto the forest, Shout!
Hang all your leafy banners out!

It touched the wood-bird's folded wing,
And said, O bird, awake and sing.

And o'er the farms, O chanticleer,
Your clarion blow; the day is near.

It whispered to the fields of corn,
Bow down, and hail the coming morn.

It shouted through the belfry-tower,
Awake, O bell! proclaim the hour.

It crossed the churchyard with a sigh,
And said, Not yet! in quiet lie.

Source:

Longfellow's Poetical Works
Copyright 1893
Henry Frowde, London