The Guests of Sleep

From The Birmingham Age Herald, December 29, 1914. By Theodosia Garrison.

Sleep at the Inn o’ Dreams—
    A kindly host he waits,
And all night long a goodly throng
    Comes softly through his gates.

A varied company—
    Scholar and clown and king,
Or prince or priest, or great or least,
    He gives them welcoming.

For each he fills the cup
    Where poppy petals swim,
Wherefrom each guest at his behest
    Drinks deeply, toasting him.

And old men drink of youth,
    And sad men of delight,
And weary men drink deep again
    The pulsing wine of might.

And poets drink of song,
    But best and oh, most sweet,
Above that brim where poppies swim
    The lips of lovers meet.

Sleep at the Inn o’ Dreams—
    A kindly host he waits,
And all night long a goodly throng
    Comes softly through his gates.