Oh, Thief of Sleep!

Why are you here, oh Thief of Sleep, whispering in my ear?

What idle theme of night’s domain enticed you to come near?

Heedless of my protest, I know you will not leave.

So come and give your grievances if that earns me reprieve!

So, tell me now, oh Thief of Sleep, from whence did you fly?

What broken things did you bring to me that I had left to lie?

Was it a recollection of newer times, bitter to the taste?

Or was it a memory of older days that I believed erased?

So, tell me now, oh Thief of Sleep, what secrets do you bear?

What do the whispers say of me that they are so ashamed to air?

Did they whisper anger, but were too afraid to quake?

Or was their tone disgusted, but politeness they did fake?

So, tell me now, oh Thief of Sleep, where has the hour gone?

What have you left to show to me when day’s light is nearly shone?

Fitfully you came to me and furtively you went.

But I wish you left me sooner before the moon was spent!