Part 5 — DOCTORS
Reading edition
EVERY night I lie awake And every day I lie abed And hear the doctors, Pain and Death, Conferring at my head.
They speak in scientific tones, Professional and low— One argues for a speedy cure, The other, sure and slow.
To one so humble as myself It should be matter for some pride To have such noted fellows here, Conferring at my side.
. THE INN OF EARTH
I CAME to the crowded Inn of Earth, And called for a cup of wine, But the Host went by with averted eye From a thirst as keen as mine.
Then I sat down with weariness And asked a bit of bread, But the Host went by with averted eye And never a word he said.
While always from the outer night The waiting souls came in With stifled cries of sharp surprise At all the light and din.
"Then give me a bed to sleep," I said, "For midnight comes apace"— But the Host went by with averted eye And I never saw his face.
"Since there is neither food nor rest, I go where I fared before"— But the Host went by with averted eye And barred the outer door.