Classic Poem

Shield me, dark nurse,—outworn, defeated, and undone!
Shield me from memories sweet or bitter 'neath the sun;
From glance of scorn, from love's long gaze, from pity's tear,
Shield me alike from blame, from praise, from hope, from fear!
Shield me, dark nurse, with charm and woven pace surround,
Shield me from sight, from sound,—from dream of sight or sound!