I Laid Me Down {draft 3}

to sleep and did not know the wolf to fear.

I lay me down, and sleep comes no more, for

The light that glares within the wolf’s eye is

Too near and never will sleep.

I lay me down and sleep, for nearer still

The shepherd sees me this night and he sees

The wolf, who never will understand nor

Can ever overwhelm this other light

And will come not a step closer.

It was in vain to wake, rise early and

In vain to stay the wolf with darting, watching eyes,

In vain to eat my daily bread in snatches and fear.

I have laid me down

because He gave me, beloved, sleep.

{inspired by Psalm 4:8; 23; 91:5-6; 121:4; 127:2; John 1:5; 10:1-18; and personal experience}

Very rough draft--suggestions wanted badly

I Laid Me Down

I laid me down to sleep,

Not knowing that the wolf walked near.

I laid me down and sleep

Came no more. Hellfire in the wolf’s

eye is too bright and sleeps

not and forbids me sleep.

I laid me down and slept—

One Shepherd sees through night and

He sees the wolf who does not

And will not understand this light and will not—

Cannot draw one step closer.

It was in vain for me to wake, to

Rise early and run, empty to try staying

The wolf with darting wakeful eye,

To eat my bread in snatching fear.

I lay me down

Because He gave

His beloved sleep.