The Lotus

Ah sleep! How sweet is thy
Effect, that gently unawares
Reminds man of that prior state
From whence he came of dust
Free, caring not of lively woes,
Or worldly woes not being God
To thank has he this winsome
Potion imbibing daily to enliven
The spirit remembering that day,
Future and past, when it knows
Not care. Thus, the body by
Long labors to laziness
Grown preferent, obscures
The mind and renders the
Senses satiate, inclined to
Slothful hours free of duty
Pining for the deep.