A night was near, a day was near,

Between a day and night

I heard sweet voices calling clear,

Calling me:

I heard a whirr of wing on wing,

But could not see the sight;

I long to see my birds that sing,

I long to see.

Below the stars, beyond the moon,

Between the night and day

I heard a rising falling tune

Calling me:

I long to see the pipes and strings

Whereon such minstrels play;

I long to see each face that sings,

I long to see.

Today or may be not today,

Tonight or not tonight,

All voices that command or pray

Calling me,

Shall kindle in my soul such fire

And in my eyes such light

That I shall see that heart's desire

I long to see.