Katherine Howard

I LAY there in my straight white gown,

With flowers in my hands,

And candles burning at my head

And burning at my feet.

I heard them say that I was dead

But I was fast asleep.

And it was little they knew,

For I was dreaming wonderful

And I was dreaming true.

I was asleep, yet I could hear;

And I was seeing far and clear

As I had not seen before.

And then I rose and went my way—

The Host of Dreams had beckoned me

Out through the open door.

The straight white one was lying there

With flowers in its hands;

The candles were burnt low.

I laughed a little because

They did not see me go.