Sleep

“Keep watch with me,” he said, yet still we sleep—

And, dreaming, never dream of all his sorrow.

Alone the shepherd watches while the sheep

Doze unconcerned, undoubtful of tomorrow.

Awakened once, we mumble half a prayer,

Then let our heavy lids slip down anew.

Awakened twice, no better do we fare;

We let our flesh do best what flesh can do.

And am I then the man who late declared

That I would rather die than leave his side?

And is this all the strength I have prepared

Him whom I swore would never be denied?

Three times deny my Lord? I do it every day;

He wakes me—yet I flee, I run away.