Poems (Sill)/Desire of Sleep

DESIRE OF SLEEP.
IT is not death I mean,Nor even forgetfulness,But healthful human sleep,Dreamless, and still, and deep,Where I would hide and glean  Some heavenly balm to bless.
I would not die; I long  To live, to see my daysBud once again, and bloom,And make amidst them roomFor thoughts like birds of song,  Out-winging happy ways.
I would not even forget:  Only, a little while—Just now—I cannot bearRemembrance with despair; The years are coming yet  When I shall look, and smile.
Not now—oh, not to-night!  Too clear on midnight's deepCome voice and hand and touch;The heart aches overmuch—Hush sounds! shut out the light!  A little I must sleep.