Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE BOATS OF SLUMBERLAND by ANONYMOUS

First Line: WHEN ALL THE WEST IS FOLD ON FOLD
Last Line: TO CARRY THEM TO SLUMBERLAND

When all the West is fold on fold
Of red, and clouds are tipped with gold,
And cows come winding o'er the flats,
And like swift shadows flit the bats,
And the winds from the South are cool,
As they had breathed across a pool
To bring its cooling touch to you,
And blossoms lift to meet the dew,
And children come outdoors to play,
Then cares of life are put away.

Then cares and griefs are put aside;
And all the world so big and wide
Seems just a blossomed romping place
Where little children laugh and race
And blow rose petals in the air,
And twine white clovers in their hair,
And finally, at sleepy time,
Come to your side, arms up, to climb
Into your lap and settle down
For the sweet trip to Slumbertown.

Then, when the cows are at the bars,
And all the sky is blinking stars,
And the moonflowers, big and white.
Come out, backgrounded by the night,
That is life's glad and holy time!
And little folks who come to climb
Into your lap, hear the low notes
Of mother's song, and fairy boats
Drift into an enchanted strand
To carry them to Slumberland.



Home: PoetryExplorer.net