Doctors

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.