Watching and Wishing.
Oh, would I were the golden light1
That shines around thee now,2
As slumber shades the spotless white3
Of that unclouded brow !4
It watches through each changeful dream5
Thy features’ varied play ;6
It meets thy waking eyes’ soft gleam7
By dawn—by op’ning day.8
Oh, would I were the crimson veil9
Above thy couch of snow,10
To dye that cheek so soft, so pale,11
With my reflected glow !12
Oh, would I were the cord of gold13
Whose tassel set with pearls14
Just meets the silken cov’ring’s fold15
And rests upon thy curls,16
Dishevell’d in thy rosy sleep,17
And shading soft thy dreams ;18
Across their bright and raven sweep19
The golden tassel gleams !20
I would be anything for thee,21
My love—my radiant love—22
A flower, a bird, for sympathy,23
A watchful star above.24