The Inn Of Earth

by Sara Teasdale

　　

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I came to the crowded Inn of Earth, And called for a cup of wine, But the Host went by with averted eye From a thirst as keen as mine. Then I sat down with weariness And asked a bit of bread, But the Host went by with averted eye And never a word he said. While always from the outer night The waiting souls came in With stifled cries of sharp surprise At all the light and din. “Then give me a bed to sleep,” I said, “For midnight comes apace” But the Host went by with averted eye And I never saw his face. “Since there is neither food nor rest, I go where I fared before” But the Host went by with averted eye And barred the outer door.

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