Poems (White)/Bedtime

by Jeannie Copes White

BEDTIME

The stars are there a-winking
Right at a boy I know;
They seem to be a-thinking
That he to bed should go.

The great round moon is gazing
At him with steady eyes;
He says, "It's quite amazing
That every night he cries."

The trees are now a-bowing
So dignified and deep,
The darkness thus allowing
For them to go to sleep.

The rose is there a-nodding
Her head within the gloom;
She does not need a prodding
To go to bed so soon.

The toads are just a peeping
To see if you're awake;
They think you are a keeping
Yourself up very late.

A little boy's a-blinking—
The sand-man's late to-night;
What can he be a-thinking,
By keeping out of sight?

Blink on, dear eyes,—don't think,
But go to sleep and dream
That stars up there will wink,
And that big moon will beam.

That they keep watch o'er you
With eyes so bright and clear,
Dear trusted friends and true,—
So sleep and never fear.