Some Fragments of Free Verse

O on this laid-low, so low bed
(Will we rise from here?)
In this slow-slumber
Slow, how slow, in this slade of death
O this wearied land of waking

Good Lord have mercy
O Lord have mercy

Lord O Lord open Thou our lips
For we stand here sleeping
We stand here weeping
We stand here singing
Lord open Thou our lips!
Sweet so sweet, so dear
O! Let us wake

Good Lord have mercy

Intoning voices these, have seen
Have seen
Sin, sadness, toil
Have tholed
Sin, sadness, toil
Have brought these things
These intoning voices have seen
(O is there a balm?)

We weep with those who weep
We sing with those who sing
We sing and weep

And here, see: His eyes
Have flown with tears
His lips have flowered song
His hands have broken death
O! Here is our balm

Good Lord have mercy
O Lord have mercy