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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


SONNET: TO SLEEP by WILLIAM WORDSWORTH

Poet Analysis

First Line: A FLOCK OF SHEEP THAT LEISURELY PASS ON
Last Line: DEAR MOTHER OF FRESH THOUGHTS AND JOYOUS HEALTH!
Subject(s): INSOMNIA; SLEEPLESSNESS;

A flock of sheep that leisurely pass by
One after one; the sound of rain, and bees
Murmuring; the fall of rivers, winds and seas,
Smooth fields, white sheets of water, and pure sky;--
I've thought of all by turns, and still I lie
Sleepless; and soon the small birds' melodies
Must hear, first uttered from my orchard trees,
And the first cuckoo's melancholy cry.
Even thus last night, and two nights more, I lay,
And could not win thee, Sleep, by any stealth:
So do not let me wear to-night away;
Without thee what is all the morning's wealth?
Come, blessed barrier between day and day,
Dear mother of fresh thoughts and joyous health!



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