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Dinah Maria Mulock - After Sunset
Work rating: Low

REST--rest--four little letters, one short word, 
Enfolding an infinitude of bliss-- 
Rest is upon the earth. The heavy clouds 
Hang poised in silent ether, motionless, 
Seeking nor sun nor breeze. No restless star 
Thrills the sky`s gray-robed breast with pulsing rays, 
The night`s heart has throbbed out. 
No grass blade stirs, 
No downy-wingèd moth comes flittering by 
Caught by the light--Thank God, there is no light, 
No open-eyed, loud-voiced, quick motioned light, 
Nothing but gloom and rest. 
A row of trees 
Along the hill horizon, westward, stands 
All black and still, as if it were a rank 
Of fallen angels, melancholy met 
Before the amber gate of Paradise-- 
The bright shut gate, whose everlasting smile 
Deadens despair to calm. 
O, better far 
Better than bliss is rest! If suddenly 
Those burnished doors of molten gold, steel-barred, 
Which the sun closed behind him as he went 
Into his bridal chamber--were to burst 
Asunder with a clang, and in a breath 
God`s mysteries were revealed--His kingdom came-- 
The multitudes of heavenly messengers 
Hastening throughout all space--the thunder quire 
Of praise--the obedient lightnings` lambent gleam 
Around the unseen Throne--should I not sink 
Crushed by the weight of such beatitudes, 
Crying, "Rest, only rest, thou merciful God! 
Hide me within the hollow of Thy hand 
In some dark corner of the universe, 
Thy bright, full, busy universe, that blinds, 
Deafens, and tortures--Give me only rest!" 

O for a soul-sleep, long and deep and still! 
To lie down quiet after the weary day, 
Dropping all pleasant flowers from the numbed hands, 
Bidding good-night to all companions dear, 
Drawing the curtains on this darkened world, 
Closing the eyes, and with a patient sigh 
Murmuring "Our Father"--fall on sleep, till dawn!
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