Sleeping

Gangs In suits of gray Worked upon the highway In a Southern State. Stones Were their companions, Coarse food Their nourishment. Cruelty Met often with Greed And Fear Lived with Hatred, When Love Sought entrance On a night In June, Trying All the entrances Unavailingly, And tiring at last. Kindness came And whispering In Love’s ear Said: “Down the road You will find open several houses. Better go! I will watch here.” Love Gave thanks, And with bounding steps Went gayly to the Highway. The sun Was hot And the stones were sharp, But the time for rest was near, And a little ripple Was running along the highway,— A tiny little wave Of Joy. Love Seeing this, Danced with glee And began to sing: “Come with me Where the flowers bloom And birds make music All the noon. “Sunshine Dances, Girls give glances To the moon. “Friends Take chances, Gay their fancies, Come with me.” Startled Glances went down the line, And Love swept on To the end, Seeking Entrance in each heart And sending thrills With delight, Until To each one Passed the word “Love is here!” Backs Grew straighter, Faces brighter, Down the line. God Crept nearer Saying: “Come with me! Take No chances With the sleepers— Come with me!” And down The highway Swept the summons, “Come with me!” Gray garments Changed To gold, And only Hatred And Fear Were left uncalled From their sleep.