DuBose Heyward. Matins. Harriet Monroe, ed. Poetry: A Magazine of Verse. 1912-22

Harriet Monroe, ed. (1860–1936). Poetry: A Magazine of Verse. 1912–22.

Matins

By DuBose Heyward


From “Charleston Poems” I SAW you pray today
Out in the park—
Poor little storm-driven
Child of the dark.

Body to earth you lay	5
On the young grass,
Learning the shining way
April may pass.

I saw the clear song
Cardinals make	10
Brush your face tangibly,
Like wind on the lake.

Then, in the hedge
Where japonicas grew,
A little breeze was born,	15
Boyish and new.

I saw it find you
And rustle your name;
Lift you, and carry you
Like a slim flame	20

Out where the trees break,
Leaving wide skies.
Now I see always
The prayer in your eyes.