The poem describes various animals going to sleep and the peacefulness of the night. It includes references to owls, robins, and prayers, and encourages the listener/reader to also go to sleep. The poem concludes with a goodnight message to children.
1. Chickens run to mother hen.
2. Pigs are curled in their pens.
3. Lambs are quiet in the field.
4. Kittens cuddle in a heap.
5. Cows come back from pasture.
6. Bees fly home.
7. Little birds sleep under mother-bird's soft breast.
8. Shadows creep over all.
9. Mr. Owl perks up his head at night.
10. Robin-friend has gone to bed.
11. Baby robins close their eyes when stars begin to rise.
12. God watches over the speaker when they're in bed.
13. Flowers nod and shadows creep.
14. The world is full of drowsy things.
15. Children in the country and city go to bed with nodding heads.