Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE BLESSED HANDS OF SLEEP by ANNA HEMPSTEAD BRANCH

First Line: I LAY ME DOWN WITH SIGHS AND TEARS
Last Line: INNOCENT AND GAY!
Subject(s): SLEEP;

I LAY me down with sighs and tears
After a barren day,
Yet every morning I awake
Innocent and gay.
The sunbeams sparkle in my soul
As if 't were bathed in dew!
I feel so simple and surprised,
Exquisite and new!
Little I feel and like a child
With laughter I arise.
This common earth revealed and bright
Shines like Paradise.
Betwixt the blessed hands of sleep
I lay my heart, and lo!
She heals me of my grief, and now
Merrily I go.
Oh, strange and lovely sleep, that Thou
After a sorrowing day
Canst send me forth like any child,
Innocent and gay!




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