The Lamp

The lamp shone golden where she slept,     Shining against deep-folded shadows.     There was no stir but her slow breathing     Save when a long sigh crept     Between her lips.     Her hair spread dark in that faint light,     Her shut eyes showed the long dark lashes--     Still now, that with her laughter quivered.     On the white sheet lay white     And limp her hands.     Golden against the shadow shone     The lamp's small flame, till dawn was brightening,     And on the flame a gold beam slanted.     The shadows lingering on     Grew faint and thin.     Sleeping she murmured, stirred and sighed,     A dream from her sleep-vision faded.     Her earthly eyes 'neath languid eyelids     Wakened: her bosom cried,     "Come back, come back,     "Come back, my dream!" Rising she drest     Her beauty's lamp with cunning fingers.     She had the look of birds a-flutter     Round dewy trees with breast     Throbbing with song.