Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


DESIRE OF SLEEP by EDWARD ROWLAND SILL

First Line: IT IS NOT DEATH I MEAN
Last Line: A LITTLE I MUST SLEEP.

IT is not death I mean,
Nor even forgetfulness,
But healthful human sleep,
Dreamless, and still, and deep,
Where I would hide and glean
Some heavenly balm to bless.

I would not die; I long
To live, to see my days
Bud once again, and bloom,
And make amidst them room
For thoughts like birds of song,
Out-winging happy ways.

I would not even forget:
Only, a little while --
Just now -- I cannot bear
Remembrance with despair;
The years are coming yet
When I shall look, and smile.

Not now -- oh, not to-night!
Too clear on midnight's deep
Come voice and hand and touch;
The heart aches overmuch --
Hush sounds! shut out the light!
A little I must sleep.



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