I will find out a place for thee, O Sleep- <br />A hidden wood among the hill-tops green, <br />Full of soft streams and little winds that creep <br /> The murmuring boughs between. <br /> <br />A hollow cup above the ocean placed <br />Where nothing rough, nor loud, nor harsh shall be, <br />But woodland light and shadow interlaced <br /> And summer sky and sea. <br /> <br />There in the fragrant twilight I will raise <br />A secret altar of the rich sea sod, <br />Whereat to offer sacrifice and praise <br /> Unto my lonely god: <br /> <br />Due sacrifice of his own drowsy flowers, <br />The deadening poppies in an ocean shell <br />Round which through all forgotten days and hours <br /> The great seas wove their spell. <br /> <br />So may he send me dreams of dear delight <br />And draughts of cool oblivion, quenching pain, <br />And sweet, half-wakeful moments in the night <br /> To hear the falling rain. <br /> <br />And when he meets me at the dusk of day <br />To call me home for ever, this I ask- <br />That he may lead me friendly on that way <br /> And wear no frightful mask.<br /><br />Clive Staples Lewis<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/to-sleep-13/
