Waking

ABOVE us hangs the jewelled night;  
And how her restful cool caresses  
Make us forget the weary sight  
Of summer’s daily wildernesses!  
  O aching toil and hope deferred,  
The night has made a promise to me;  
She whispered, and a wonder stirred,  
And still the joy is thrilling through me.  
  Smooth water, shadow deeply still,  
I dare not move, you wait unsleeping  
—You share the breathless hopes that fill  
The watch my longing soul is keeping.  
  A fish is leaping in the bay;  
The shafts of yellow light are shaking.  
O glorious night and happy day,  
Beneath my silent heart she’s waking.