A Bed-Time Song
by Lilian Dynevor Rice

Sway to and fro in the twilight gray,
This is the ferry for Shadowtown;
It always sails at the end of the day
Just as the darkness is closing down.

Rest, little head, on my shoulder, so.
A sleepy kiss is the only fare,
Drifting away from the world we go,
Baby and I in the rocking chair.

See where the firelogs glow and spark
Glitter the lights of the shadowland;
The winter rain in the window, hark!
Are ripples lapping upon its strand.

There! Where the mirror is glancing dim,
A lake lies shimmering cool and still,
Blossoms are waving above its brim,
Those over there on the windowsill,

Rock slow, more slow in the dusky light,
Silently lower the anchor down!
Dear little passenger, say “Good night”
we’ve reached the harbor of Shadowtown.