Edward Durand Crane

" Good-night, sleep well !" we say to those we love,

And watch dear faces glimmer on the stair,

And hear faint footfalls in the rooms above

            Sound on the quiet air,

Yet feel no fear, though lonely they must go

The road of slumber's strange oblivion:

           Dark always wear to dawn,

Sleep is so gentle, and so well we know,

          Wherever they have gone,

They will be safe until the morning light,

           Good-night, good-night !

Good-night, sleep well, beloveds, when the last

Slow dusk has fallen, and your steps no more

Make music on the empty upper floor,

           And the day is fully past.

We who so lightly let you go alone,

Evening by evening, from our trustful sight

Into the mystery of sleep's unknown

           We need not fear, tonight,

Death is so gentle-dark will break to dawn . . .

Love will be safe until the morning light.

          Sleep well, good-night !

                                  Nancy Byrd Turner