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William Allingham - A Dream
Work rating: Medium

I heard the dogs howl in the moonlight night; 
I went to the window to see the sight;
All the Dead that ever I knew 
Going one by one and two by two. 

On they pass`d, and on they pass`d; 
Townsfellows all, from first to last; 
Born in the moonlight of the lane, 
Quench`d in the heavy shadow again. 

Schoolmates, marching as when they play`d 
At soldiers once - but now more staid; 
Those were the strangest sight to me 
Who were drown`d, I knew, in the awful sea.

Straight and handsome folk, bent and weak, too; 
Some that I loved, and gasp`d to speak to;
Some but a day in their churchyard bed; 
Some that I had not known were dead. 

A long, long crowd - where each seem`d lonely, 
Yet of them all there was one, one only, 
Raised a head or look`d my way; 
She linger`d a moment - she might not stay. 

How long since I saw that fair pale face! 
Ah! Mother dear! might I only place 
My head on thy breast, a moment to rest, 
While thy hand on my tearful cheek were prest! 

On, on, a moving bridge they made 
Across the moon-stream, from shade to shade, 
Young and old, women and men; 
Many long-forgot, but remembered then, 

And first there came a bitter laughter;
A sound of tears a moment after; 
And then a music so lofty and gay, 
That eve morning, day by day, 
I strive to recall it if I may.
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