Frederick Philip Grove
THE DIRGE
(IM 15, 1-33)

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e-Edition by Gaby Divay
© August 2007

University of Manitoba Libraries	FPG & FrL Collections	University of Manitoba Archives

IX. "And do you sleep... by Frederick Philip Grove And do you sleep, my child, eternal sleep, Dreamless and not disquiet, in your grave? If so, I envy you. We must still weep And search and question what we lost or have. Dreamless and not disquiet-- is it true? Then must it be that there is rest from strife. And if there is, what was your life to you? Heroic was it and with greatness rife: Early you knew what severance is and care And often ceased to laugh and ceased to smile: Thus grew your understanding heart, aware Too poignantly that joys last but awhile. Yet sprang that smile again as smiles the field, Caressed by summer breezes at the dawn Of some yet perfect day to come and yield Frolic and gladness to the forest fawn. Sleep, sleep, my child! Lie motionless and still! Then will I, as I think of you, renew The memory of your smile and trust no ill Outbalanced life's due gift of joy to you. In Memoriam 15/9