The Poetry Corner

Good Night

By Ella Wheeler Wilcox

The day is at its golden height, No shadow falls on sea or land; And yet to thee I say Good night, As we stand here hand clasped in hand, Good night -Good night. The laughing waves are summer blue, The bees hum in the sun's warm light; But frosts of winter chill me through, I shiver as I say Good night. Good night -Good night. How often at the close of day With smiling lips we've said those words: And listened as we turned away To hear them echoed by the birds, Good night -Good night. We did not dream then of this hour, This sad, sad hour for you and me; We did not dream there was a power Could force us for eternity To say Good night. Good night -nay, turn your eyes away; I cannot bear their tender light. Now evermore to golden day, To golden hope, a last Good night, Good night -Good night.