The White Wampum

by Emily Pauline Johnson

 

OVERLOOKED

 
Sleep, with her tender balm, her touch so kind,
                Has passed me by;
Afar I see her vesture, velvet-lined,
                Float silently;
O! Sleep, my tired eyes had need of thee!
5
Is thy sweet kiss not meant to-night for me?

Peace, with the blessings that I longed for so,
                Has passed me by;
Where ’ere she folds her holy wings I know
                All tempests die;
10
O! Peace, my tired soul had need of thee!
Is thy sweet kiss denied alone to me?

Love, with her heated touches; passion-stirred,
                Has passed me by.
I called, “O stay thy flight,” but all unheard
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                My lonely cry:
O! Love, my tired heart had need of thee!
Is thy sweet kiss withheld alone from me? [Page 57]

Sleep, sister-twin of Peace, my waking eyes
                So weary grow!
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O! Love, thou wanderer from Paradise,
                Dost thou not know
How oft my lonely heart has cried to thee?
But Thou, and Sleep, and Peace, come not to me. [Page 58]