Night Piece

I can’t sleep, and there’s no light,
Mirk all round and restless slumber,
Tickings near me without number,
Monotonous clock measuring night!

O you Fates with old wives’ chatter,
Sleepy night so softly swaying,
Life with mouselike pitter-patter,
Why vex me, what are you saying?

Boring whispers what implying?
Do you murmur or complain?
Can’t you tell me what you’re seeking.
Calling me or prophesying?
Oh for someone to explain
That dark language you are speaking!