I Had No Cause to Be Awake
poem 542
I Had No Cause to Be Awake - meaning Summary
Morning and Absent Companions
The speaker wakes to find close companions still asleep and morning indifferent to them. Rather than interrupt, the speaker experiences a deep, spacious peace—part Sabbath, part sunset—and a rising wish to share that calm. Concluding with a small, decisive ritual of dressing and praying, the speaker moves into presence and communion. The poem explores quiet acceptance, inward readiness, and a gentle turn from solitude toward spiritual attendance with others.
Read Complete AnalysesI had no Cause to be awake My Best was gone to sleep And Morn a new politeness took And failed to wake them up But called the others clear And passed their Curtains by Sweet Morning when I oversleep Knock Recollect to Me I looked at Sunrise Once And then I looked at Them And wishfulness in me arose For Circumstance the same ‘Twas such an Ample Peace It could not hold a Sigh ‘Twas Sabbath with the Bells divorced ‘Twas Sunset all the Day So choosing but a Gown And taking but a Prayer The only Raiment I should need I struggled and was There
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