Midday murmering, lulling long,
Makes me nod, nod, nod
I **** awake
When sleep o'ertakes.
Mumbling, mumbling--I'm gone.

This swaying ship, though I'm through
The shush of night-long sleep,
Rocks me so slow
With a voice monotone;
My consciousness can't keep!

As my desp'rate last,
I seize the mast,
Overcome with anxiety--
Lest I am thrown
And quickly drown,
In the sweet sleepy sea.

Midday murmering, and afternoon
Book shelves, balmy breeze.
With a quieted mind,
I slip slow behind.
God, keep me awake, please!

Nodding, nodding, nod--
Giving in--
Gone.