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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


TEARS IN SLEEP by LOUISE BOGAN

Poem Explanation Poet Analysis

First Line: ALL NIGHT THE COCKS CREW, UNDER A MOON LIKE DAY
Last Line: FROM THE NIGHT GIVING OFF FLAMES, AND THE DARK RENEWING.
Subject(s): SLEEP; DREAMS; NIGHTMARES;

ALL night the cocks crew, under a moon like day,
And I, in the cage of sleep, on a stranger breast,
Shed tears, like a task not to be put away --
In the false light, false grief in my happy bed,
A labor of tears, held against joy's undoing.
I would not wake at your word. I had tears to say.
I caught at the bars of the dream, and they were said,
And pain's derisive hand had given me rest
From the night giving off flames, and the dark renewing.



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