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TO SLEEP A flock of sheep that leisurely pass by, One…

“TO SLEEP A flock of sheep that leisurely pass by, One after one; the sound of rain, and bees Murmuring; the fall of rivers, winds and seas, Smooth fields, white sheets of water, and pure sky; I’ve thought of all by turns; and still I lie Sleepless; and soon the small birds’ melodies Must hear…” quote by William Wordsworth
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““TO SLEEP A flock of sheep that leisurely pass by,   One after one; the sound of rain, and bees   Murmuring; the fall of rivers, winds and seas,   Smooth fields, white sheets of water, and pure sky;   I’ve thought of all by turns; and still I lie   Sleepless; and soon the small birds’ melodies   Must hear, first utter’d from my orchard trees;   And the first Cuckoo’s melancholy cry.   Even thus last night, and two nights more, I lay,   And could not win thee, Sleep! by any stealth:   So do not let me wear to night away:   Without Thee what is all the morning’s wealth?   Come, blessed barrier betwixt day and day,   Dear mother of fresh thoughts and joyous health!””

William Wordsworth

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The poem juxtaposes natural serenity with restless yearning for sleep, highlighting longing for peace.

In simple terms: Restlessness versus calm nature.

Key Takeaway

Seek tranquility through nature.

Themes

nature restlessness longing

Mood

contemplative melancholic

Type

poetic literary

When to use this quote

  • nighttime reflection
  • poetry reading
  • meditation

Key Concepts

sleep melancholy beauty

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does sleep symbolize for you?
  • How can nature aid restful sleep?
A Different Perspective

May romanticize sleep, ignoring practical issues.

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