At That Hour

James Joyce

At that hour when all things have repose,
O lonely watcher of the skies,
Do you hear the night wind and the sighs
Of harps playing unto Love to unclose
The pale gates of sunrise?

When all things repose, do you alone
Awake to hear the sweet harps play
To Love before him on his way,
And the night wind answering in antiphon
Till night is overgone?

Play on, invisible harps, unto Love,
Whose way in heaven is aglow
At that hour when soft lights come and go,
Soft sweet music in the air above
And in the earth below.

About This Poem

At That Hour is a lyrical poem by James Joyce, best known as an Irish novelist, but also a writer of delicate, musical verse. The poem evokes the stillness of night, the sense of watching and waiting, and the quiet movement from darkness towards sunrise. Its tone is gentle, reflective, and slightly dreamlike, which can make it a moving funeral reading when the aim is to create a calm, contemplative atmosphere.

This piece may be especially suitable for someone who loved literature, music, or quiet moments of thought, and it can work well for a partner, parent, or close friend. It is most fitting for a secular service, though it can also sit comfortably in faith-led ceremonies because of its spiritual imagery. As a more poetic reading, it works well during the main reflection or as a pause between tributes, offering mourners a sense of peace and soft continuity.

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