SLUMBERING darkly yesterday, As in deathly sweats I lay, And two roses fiery red On my faded cheeks were spread-- On my brow perchance a ray Of Death's pallor trembling lay. And I prayed and longed for death. Then I heard a sobbing breath . . . I unclosed my weary eyes And beheld my mother's tears-- Saw those priceless pearls arise, Tokens of her love, her fears. In her heart what grief she bore! And I was that anguish sore. Ah, I raged tempestuously, That black torrent outward leapt 1:-- God of mercy, pardon me, For the tears my mother wept!
Footnotes
84:1 The poem entitled "Complaints," written a few days before his death.
