Spirits in Bondage

by C.S. Lewis

X. To Sleep

I will find out a place for thee, O Sleep—
     A hidden wood among the hill-tops green,
     Full of soft streams and little winds that creep
       The murmuring boughs between.

     A hollow cup above the ocean placed
     Where nothing rough, nor loud, nor harsh shall be,
     But woodland light and shadow interlaced
       And summer sky and sea.

     There in the fragrant twilight I will raise
     A secret altar of the rich sea sod,
     Whereat to offer sacrifice and praise
       Unto my lonely god:

     Due sacrifice of his own drowsy flowers,
     The deadening poppies in an ocean shell
     Round which through all forgotten days and hours
       The great seas wove their spell.

     So may he send me dreams of dear delight
     And draughts of cool oblivion, quenching pain,
     And sweet, half-wakeful moments in the night
       To hear the falling rain.

     And when he meets me at the dusk of day
     To call me home for ever, this I ask—
     That he may lead me friendly on that way
       And wear no frightful mask.