So that sleep may have the quality of prayer,
I put my book down, close my eyes, and stare -
sometimes into the night, sometimes into the end
of whatever maze or riddles of thought or care
I, others, or the universe have planned
as tools to ward off cupidity or despair -
acknowledging what men, God, and the gods demand.
It’s come to that time of the day, my friend!
Relinquishing what men, God, and the gods demand
as tools to ward off cupidity and despair
that I, others, and the cosmos have planned,
through sundry mazes and riddles of thought and care
that outlast the night and, sometimes, even the end…
I put my book down, close my eyes, and stare
so that sleep may have the quality of prayer.