The long day passes with its load of sorrow: <br />In slumber deep <br />I lay me down to rest until tomorrow -- <br />Thank God for sleep. <br />Thank God for all respite from weary toiling, <br />From cares that creep <br />Across our lives like evil shadows, spoiling <br />God's kindly sleep. <br /> <br />We plough and sow, and, as the hours grow later, <br />We strive to reap, <br />And build our barns, and hope to build them greater <br />Before we sleep. <br /> <br />We toil and strain and strive with one another <br />In hopes to heap <br />Some greater share of profit than our brother <br />Before we sleep. <br /> <br />What will it profit that with tears or laughter <br />Our watch we keep? <br />Beyond it all there lies the Great Hereafter! <br />Thank God for sleep! <br /> <br />For, at the last, beseeching Christ to save us <br />We turn with deep <br />Heartfelt thanksgiving unto God, who gave us <br />The Gift of Sleep.<br /><br />Andrew Barton Paterson<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/he-giveth-his-beloved-sleep/
