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.
The Inn Of Earth
Sara Teasdale
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