I CANNOT sleep; — the beautiful Lynnhaven
Floods through my thoughts to-night.
Past darkling pines it moves and willows weeping
In many a cove and bight.

I cannot sleep because it gleams like silver.
Although my eyes are sealed,
Clear to my vision are its dusky shallows
And starry depths revealed.

Slowly it moves, and in a mystic silence,
It draws me wondering,
Out through its shadowy portals to the ocean
Where sails are blossoming.

On, ever on, to strange and far adventure
On waters wide and deep
The river bears me through the fragrant darkness,
And so I cannot sleep.