To Sleep

I recall the days before me.
I would calmly lay my head.
Sleep would come and quickly find me,
And stay with me 'till I said.

But now I lay my head to pillow
For sleep hath bidden far away.
I lie awake and dream of sleeping.
Sleep, how could thou this disarray?

Won't thou join me once for mem'ry,
Like we did in days of old?
I can search, but will I find thee,
All alone in this night of cold?

Shall I find thee through the classics
Or wilt thou join me numbering lambs?
I ask, please, wouldst thou come and find me
And help to shorten the nightly spans?

Hold me gently, soft caressing,
Close my eyes 'till light of day.
Let me swoon in your embracing.
Let me swoon the night away.

Sleep, where art thou? I do need thee!
Come and save me is my moan.
Dost thou hear me? Come relieve me!
I cannot bear the night alone.

Epilogue:
'Tis only a short need that's passing.
I won't always need her lore.
For one day I'll cross the river
To that Land and sleep no more.

Wilt thou join me, then, in Glory,
As we've kissed our sleep goodbye?
She may leave us for the night, now,
But we'll leave her the day we fly.


© Daniel Lorimer
January 6, 2010
Composed at night for the night of Jan 4, 2010.