Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, IN THE HOSPITAL, by MARY WOOLSEY HOWLAND


Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

IN THE HOSPITAL, by                    
First Line: I lay me down to sleep
Last Line: Lead after him.
Variant Title(s): Rest;requiescam
Subject(s): Death; Hospitals; Patriotism; Dead, The


I lay me down to sleep,
With little care
Whether my waking find
Me here, or there.
A bowing, burdened head
That only asks to rest,
Unquestioning, upon
A living breast.
My good right-hand forgets
Its cunning now;
To march the weary march
I know not how.
I am not eager, bold,
Nor strong, -- all that is past;
I am ready not to do,
At last, at last.
My half-day's work is done,
And this is all my part, --
I give a patient God
My patient heart;
And grasp his banner still,
Though all the blue be dim;
These stripes as well as stars
Lead after him.




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