The Singing In God's Acre

Author: Eugene Field

    Out yonder in the moonlight, wherein God's Acre lies,
    Go angels walking to and fro, singing their lullabies.
    Their radiant wings are folded, and their eyes are bended low,
    As they sing among the beds whereon the flowers delight to grow,--

    "Sleep, oh, sleep!
    The Shepherd guardeth His sheep.
    Fast speedeth the night away,
    Soon cometh the glorious day;
    Sleep, weary ones, while ye may,
    Sleep, oh, sleep!"

    The flowers within God's Acre see that fair and wondrous sight,
    And hear the angels singing to the sleepers through the night;
    And, lo! throughout the hours of day those gentle flowers prolong
    The music of the angels in that tender slumber-song,--

    "Sleep, oh, sleep!
    The Shepherd loveth His sheep.
    He that guardeth His flock the best
    Hath folded them to His loving breast;
    So sleep ye now, and take your rest,--
    Sleep, oh, sleep!"

    From angel and from flower the years have learned that soothing song,
    And with its heavenly music speed the days and nights along;
    So through all time, whose flight the Shepherd's vigils glorify,
    God's Acre slumbereth in the grace of that sweet lullaby,--

    "Sleep, oh, sleep!
    The Shepherd loveth His sheep.
    Fast speedeth the night away,
    Soon cometh the glorious day;
    Sleep, weary ones, while ye may,--
    Sleep, oh, sleep!"
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Type of Poem: Lyric Poem

Date Written:

Date Published:

Language: English

Keywords: Public Domain

Source: Public Domain Collection

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Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: This poem is a deeply comforting and spiritual piece that explores themes of rest, divinity, and eternal peace. The setting of 'God's Acre,' a traditional term for a churchyard or burial ground, establishes a celestial mood, while the image of angels singing lullabies imbues the poem with a serene and reassuring tone. The sleep the poem speaks of can be interpreted as both literal rest and the metaphorical sleep of death, underscoring an overall theme of divine protection and eternal peace.

The poem is structured in four stanzas, each ending with a lullaby refrain that both grounds the poem and propels its narrative. The repetition of "Sleep, oh, sleep! The Shepherd loveth His sheep" underscores the comforting message and links the poem's various elements together. This refrain also serves as a powerful literary device, creating a rhythm that echoes the soothing cadence of a lullaby. The language is simple yet evocative, conveying deep sentiments with elemental imagery of flowers, angels, and sheep. The poem's tone, themes, and structure work harmoniously to create a piece that is as comforting as it is profound, offering a tender reflection on rest, divinity, and the passage of time.

Exploring Lyric Poetry

Lyric poetry is a powerful and intimate form of expression, characterized by its focus on the personal emotions and thoughts of the poet. Often musical in nature, lyric poems resonate with readers through their vivid language and rhythmic flow, capturing moments of intense feeling.

Here are some key characteristics that define lyric poetry:

  • Expressive Language: Lyric poems use rich and evocative language to convey deep emotions, often painting a vivid picture of the poet's inner world.
  • Personal Perspective: Typically written in the first person, these poems offer a window into the poet's personal experiences, thoughts, and reflections.
  • Musicality: Lyric poems often feature a rhythmic structure, with meter and rhyme that give them a song-like quality, enhancing the emotional impact.

From ancient odes to contemporary free verse, lyric poetry remains a beloved and enduring form, celebrated for its ability to articulate the nuances of human emotion in a way that resonates deeply with readers.