To One who Sleeps by Virna Sheard

Name: To One who Sleeps
Author: Virna Sheard

The work centers on a speaker’s determined journey from the familiar physical world into a realm where dreams and mysterious enchantments hold sway. The speaker addresses a beloved figure, urging them not to stray far as they embark on a solitary quest that leaves behind a now ghostly, insubstantial Earth. As the journey unfolds, the natural order is upended: the terrestrial world, once concrete, becomes a mere phantom, while the realm of dreams grows vivid and real. Throughout the verses, the temporary farewell is imbued with a promise; despite the allure of transient enchantments that may distract or seduce along the way, the speaker remains steadfast in the commitment to reunite with the beloved. The narrative juxtaposes the ephemeral nature of everyday existence with the enduring, transformative power of love. By venturing into the unknown—guided by a blend of resolve and the pull of an unseen, dreamlike home—the speaker transforms what would normally be a moment of goodbye into a sacred, almost ritualistic transition. The nocturnal imagery, with its shifting stars and the inevitable return of light, reinforces the cyclical promise of reunion. In this alternate reality, where sleep serves as both a threshold and a bridge, love is portrayed as transcending the physical, emerging as the ultimate truth and constant in a changing world. In summary, the work is an exploration of love’s power to elevate and redefine reality. It articulates a journey where the familiar is rendered unreal, and the ethereal realm of dreams is recognized as the true abode of the heart. The steadfast promise to return at dawn underscores both the temporality of parting and the inevitability of reunion, marking the transition from one state of being to another as both sacred and necessary.

By Virna Sheard · First published 1909 · Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Poetry · 142 words

First lines

Fare not too far, my own, Down ways all strange and new, For I must find alone, The road that leads to you.

Enchantments may arise To lure thy little feet, And charm thy wondering eyes; -- Yet, -- wait for me, my sweet!

Already Earth doth seem A phantom place to me, And thy far home of dream, Is my reality.

So this is just "good-night"; -- Some stars will rise and wane, -- But sure as comes the light, I'll be with thee again!

What this Textopian page supports

To One who Sleeps is listed on Textopian as a short story by Virna Sheard, dated 1909 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Short story
Author: Virna Sheard
Date: 1909 CE
Language: English
Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Poetry, Gothic, Dreamlike Literature
Length: 142 words
Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Discussion starters

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Where does Fantasy first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Fantasy — The text features enchantments, mystical journeys, and otherworldly landscapes which are central to its narrative.
Romance — The work expresses profound emotional longing and the pursuit of a loved one, making romantic themes pivotal.
Poetry — The structured verse, lyrical language, and use of symbolic imagery classify the work as a poetic composition.
Gothic — The narrative exhibits melancholic tones and mysterious, haunting atmospheres that are characteristic of Gothic literature.