The Gentle Dark

: SLEEPY-TIME SONGS AND STORIES
: Boys And Girls Bookshelf

BY W. GRAHAME ROBERTSON



So it is over, the long bright Day,

And little Maid Twilight, quiet and meek,

Comes stealing along in her creep-mouse way

Whispering low--for she may not speak--

"The Gentle Dark is coming to play

At a game of Hide and Seek."



Some babies are cross when she whispers them this,

And some are afraid
and begin to cry.

I never can think what they find amiss.

Afraid of the Dark! I wonder why.

The Gentle Dark that falls like a kiss

Down from the sleepy sky.



O Gentle Dark, we know you are kind

By the lingering touch of your cool soft hand;

As over our eyes the veil you bind

We shut them tight at word of command,

You are only playing at Hoodman-Blind,

A game that we understand.



The voice is tender (O little one, hark!),

The eyes are kindly under the hood,

Blow out the candle, leave not a spark,

Trusting your friend as a playmate should.

Hold up your arms to the Gentle Dark,

The Dark that is kind and good.



[E] From "A Year of Song," by W. Grahame Robertson; used by permission

of the publishers, John Lane Company.



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