Now through night's caressing grip <br />Earth and all her oceans slip, <br />Capes of China slide away <br />From her fingers into day <br />And th'Americas incline <br />Coasts towards her shadow line. <br /> <br />Now the ragged vagrants creep <br />Into crooked holes to sleep: <br />Just and unjust, worst and best, <br />Change their places as they rest: <br />Awkward lovers like in fields <br />Where disdainful beauty yields: <br /> <br />While the splendid and the proud <br />Naked stand before the crowd <br />And the losing gambler gains <br />And the beggar entertains: <br />May sleep's healing power extend <br />Through these hours to our friend. <br />Unpursued by hostile force, <br />Traction engine, bull or horse <br />Or revolting succubus; <br />Calmly till the morning break <br />Let him lie, then gently wake.<br /><br />Wystan Hugh Auden<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/nocturne-3/
