A Sonnet to Sleep


I yearn to lie with longed-for Sleep at dawn,
Her gentle hands to shade my eyes from light,
And hear her sing her sweet enchanting song,
To soothe and calm the turmoil of my mind.

Oh, weary night, allow me rest by day,
To lie in perfect, peaceful ease with Sleep,
Let her pillowed breast hide my secret tears,
Her arms to hold my looming conscious cares.

For when my mind does spin like autumn leaves,
My wakeful conscience with fatigue conspires,
To deny my hearing Sleep’s lulling call,
And she ignores my aching soul’s desires.

Shush—What siren's lullaby is this I hear?
Oh, blessed Sleep, come close, and close my eyes.

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