A Song at Sunset

Nora Hopper Chesson

1871 to 1906

Poem Image

Drags the day over you, heavy and long for you? 
Here at the end are my arms for your rest: 
Here on my lips is a comforting song for you. 
Here is the green place where ceases your quest — 
Where all the day Love desires you for guest; 
Here is your pillow, and that is my breast. 

Weariful daytime to twilight is wearing; 
Soft is the wind that blew hot in your face. 
Beauty is brooding on things that were base. 
Wheels drop their droning that all day kept pace 
With time that hurried and labour at chase. 
Now all the feet to their quiet are faring. 

Now the wheels drone down, the clatter is ending — 
Home to me, dearest: rest here and be still. 
Here are love's hands and love's heart for amending 
Chords that the day struck all jangled and shrill. 
Here is sweet water, and borage for blending 
Comfort and courage to drink to your fill. 

Come to me, Love: I have quiet and healing 
Here in my hands and my bosom for you: 
Hopes that are flagging and bitter with rue, 
Dreams that are homesick I'll sweeten anew. 
Here are no bells that shall vex you with pealing; 
Here are no stings on your solitude stealing; 
Only love dropping as softly as dew.