Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, PILLOW-STUFFING, by AMOS RUSSEL WELLS


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

PILLOW-STUFFING, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Neighbor languid over the way
Last Line: What your pillow's stuffed with!
Subject(s): Pillows; Sleep


Neighbor Languid over the way
Gets no sleep by night or day.
Pale and nervous neighbor, say,
What's your pillow stuffed with?

Turkey-stuffing often, friend,
Has a nightmare for its end,
And your slumber may depend
Just on pillow-stuffing.

Corn-husks, feathers, cotton, hair,
Pine needles or rose leaves rare,
Which you have I do not care,
For your pillow-stuffing.

Ah, but, neighbor, tell me this:
Does a hearty good-night kiss
Furnish softness, health, and bliss
To your pillow-stuffing?

Yes, and, neighbor, let me know:
Does a pruning-knife or hoe,
Spade or rake or trowel, go
In your pillow-stuffing?

In your pillow are there found
Three good miles of solid ground
Measured off, a pleasant round,
Just for pillow-stuffing?

Have you filled it, let me ask,
Full with many a household task;
Honest work that needs no mask
Is your pillow stuffed with?

Does your pillow-case contain
Happy thoughts to charm the brain, --
Some wise volume, sweet and sane,
Is your pillow stuffed with?

Ah, my neighbor, have you there
Sedatives of trusting prayer, --
Springing faith that conquers care
Is your pillow stuffed with?

Love that seeks another's ease,
Tact that knows the way to please,
Songs, smiles, jokes, help, gifts, -- are these
In your pillow-stuffing?

Neighbor Languid, throw away
All your pills and drugs, I pray,
And inquire, without delay,
What your pillow's stuffed with!





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