Poem - Harry ‘Breaker’ Morant (1892)

Prediction Poetry

When the Light is as Darkness

By Harry ‘Breaker’ Morant

1892

The morning-tide is fair and bright,

   With golden sun up-springing;

The cedars glowed in the new-born light,

   And the bell-bird's note was ringing;

While diamonds dropped by dusky Night,

   Were yet to the gidyas clinging.

The morning waned -- the sun rose high

   O'erhead, until 'twas seeming

But a dazzling disc, and the fiery sky

   Like an opal sea was gleaming;

And languorous flowers -- of morn gone by,

   And coming eve -- fell dreaming.

And now the moon above does creep

   To laugh at red Sol sinking;

While wakening from their sunlit sleep,

   A few wan stars are blinking,

And thirsty, drooping flowers deep

   Of evening dews are drinking.

The birds will soon their carols cease,

   And crows are homeward hieing;

The gloaming deepens, stars increase,

   The weary day is dying --

Its requiem, murmurous of peace,

   The vesper winds are, sighing.

This night is near!  Are you waiting friend,

   That Night? -- we're drawing nigh it --

When we to the Restful Land shall wend,

   And leave life's feverish riot --

When the gods to each tired soul shall send

   Eternal, dreamless quiet.