Sara Teasdale — The Inn Of Earth

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.