The Poetry Corner

James Lionel Michael

By Henry Kendall

Be his rest the rest he sought: Calm and deep. Let no wayward word or thought Vex his sleep. Peace the peace that no man knows Now remains Where the wasted woodwind blows, Wakes and wanes. Latter leaves, in Autumns breath, White and sere, Sanctify the scholars death, Lying here. Soft surprises of the sun Swift, serene Oer the mute grave-grasses run, Cold and green. Wet and cold the hillwinds moan; Let them rave! Love that takes a tender tone Lights his grave. He who knew the friendless face Sorrows shew, Often sought this quiet place Years ago. One, too apt to faint and fail, Loved to stray Here where water-shallows wail Day by day. Care that lays her heavy hand On the best, Bound him with an iron hand; Let him rest. Life, that flieth like a tune, Left his eyes, As an April afternoon Leaves the skies. Peace is best! If life was hard Peace came next. Thus the scholar, thus the bard, Lies unvext. Safely housed at last from rack Far from pain; Who would wish to have him back? Back again? Let the forms he loved so well Hover near; Shine of hill and shade of dell, Year by year. All the wilful waifs that make Beautys face, Let them sojourn for his sake Round this place. Flying splendours, singing streams, Lutes and lights, May they be as happy dreams: Sounds and sights; So that Time to Love may say, Wherefore weep? Sweet is sleep at close of day! Death is sleep.