PUT out thy torch, O watcher by the dead,
Unto the darkness give its own;
Silence and darkness — they alone
May minister about this breathless bed;
Put out thy mocking torch, good watcher gray,
Thine old head cover; come away.
And so I leave thee, Ilmar! That queen brow
Where diamond light were pale as mist,
I yield it up to Death, unkissed.
He took thee from me; thou’rt his only, now:
No, no — I cannot lay on that still hand
Mine own, and thou not understand.
Mine was no little wing
(John Vance Cheney)
More Poetry from John Vance Cheney:
John Vance Cheney Poems based on Topics: Silence, Light, Death & Dying- Lincoln (John Vance Cheney Poems)
- The Man with the Hoe - A Reply (John Vance Cheney Poems)
- Evening Songs (John Vance Cheney Poems)
- Great Is To-Day (John Vance Cheney Poems)
- Every One to His Own Way (John Vance Cheney Poems)
- The Skilful Listener (John Vance Cheney Poems)