Sleep

Sleep, the kind healer of my soul,
forgiver of the day’s defects,
who banishes anxiety that stole
my peace of mind, my hope, my self-respect;
who brings oblivion to a troubled mind
for welcome hours until a better dawn
brings new perspectives, leaving fears behind,
and darkness, real and feared are gone.
Sleep is a lover who holds, caresses, cares,
embracing joy or doubt, smiles or tears,
who guards the loved one, protects with prayers
for happier tomorrows; and stays till day appears.
Welcome sleep my love, she heals, restores, makes strong;
and sleep with me, then sweeter sleep to us belongs.