Balm

Virginia Woodward Cloud (1861โ€“1938)

A Reed by the River

After the sun, the shade,Beatitude of shadow,Dim aisles for memory made,โ€”And Thought;After the sun, the shade.

After the heat, the dew,The tender touch of twilight;The unfolding of the fewCalm Stars;After the heat, the dew.

After all, there is balm;From the wings of dark there is waftureOf sleep, night's infinite psalm,โ€”And Dreams;After all there is balm.