Father Ryan's Poems (108)

    "O Songs！" I said "Stop sounding in my soul Just for a little while and let me sleep, Resting my head on the breast Of Silence；" but the rhythmic¹ roll Of a thousand songs swept on and on, And a far Voice said "When thou art dead Thy restless heart shall rest."

    And the songs will never let me sleep. I plead² with them； but o'er the deep They still will roll On, and on, and on, Their music never gone. Ah！ world-tired soul！ Just for a little while, Just like a poor, tired child Beneath its Mother's smile —— Only to fall asleep！ Silence！ be mother to me！ But —— No！ No！ No！ The waves will ebb³ and flow. I wonder is it best To never, never rest Down on the shores of this strange Below？