At Dawn
EARLY this morning waking,
I heard the sandpipers call,
And the sea on the shore was breaking
With a dreamy rise and fall.
The dawn that was softly blushing
Touched cloud and wave with rose,
And the sails in the west were flushing,
No breeze stirred their repose.
What tone in the water’s falling
Had reached me while I dreamed?
What sound in the wild birds’ calling
Like a heavenly greeting seemed?
What meant the delicate splendor
That brightened the conscious morn
With a radiance fresh and tender
Crowning the day newborn?
All nature’s musical voices
Whispered, “Awake and see!
Awake, for the day rejoices!”
What news had the morn for me?
Then I remembered the blessing
So sweet, O friend, so near!
The joy beyond all expressing, —
To-day you would be here.
