24. Rest

George William Russell

ON me to rest, my bird, my bird:
The swaying branches of my heart
Are blown by every wind toward
The home whereto their wings depart.


Build not your nest, my bird, on me;
I know no peace but ever sway:
O lovely bird, be free, be free,
On the wild music of the day.


But sometimes when your wings would rest,
And winds are laid on quiet eves:
Come, I will bear you breast to breast,
And lap you close with loving leaves.

Next 10 Poems

• George William Russell : 25. Pity
• George William Russell : 26. The City
• George William Russell : 27. Dust
• George William Russell : 28. The Virgin Mother
• George William Russell : 29. Dana
• George William Russell : 3. By The Margin Of The Great Deep
• George William Russell : 30. The Earth Breath
• George William Russell : 31. Alter Ego
• George William Russell : 32. Natural Magic
• George William Russell : 33. Childhood

Previous 10 Poems

• George William Russell : 23. The Symbol Seduces
• George William Russell : 22. Waiting
• George William Russell : 21. The Dawn Of Darkness
• George William Russell : 20. The Place Of Rest
• George William Russell : 2. Awakening
• George William Russell : 19. Desire
• George William Russell : 18. Frolic
• George William Russell : 173. Epilogue
• George William Russell : 172. Reconciliation
• George William Russell : 171. Content