There was a time when in late afternoon br The four-o'clocks would fold up at day's close br Pink-white in prayer, and 'neath the floating moon br I lay with them in calm and sweet repose. br br And in the open spaces I could sleep, br Half-naked to the shining worlds above; br Peace came with sleep and sleep was long and deep, br Gained without effort, sweet like early love. br br But now no balm--nor drug nor weed nor wine-- br Can bring true rest to cool my body's fever, br Nor sweeten in my mouth the acid brine, br That salts my choicest drink and will forever.