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! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE CANDLE by KATHERINE MANSFIELD SONGS OF INNOCENCE: INTRODUCTION by WILLIAM BLAKE THE SHEPHERD, FR. SONGS OF INNOCENCE by WILLIAM BLAKE COMIN' THRO' THE RYE by ROBERT BURNS THE OLD FAMILIAR FACES by CHARLES LAMB LOVE'S JUSTIFICATION by MICHELANGELO BUONARROTI THE IMPROVISATORE: ALBERT AND EMILY by THOMAS LOVELL BEDDOES |