En Montant. (Translation) . Poem by Michael Walker

I decided to shorten a couple of lines to fit in better with meter and rhythm, as opposed to word-for-word meaning. For the original English version, see Poem Hunter No.295 for Christina Rossetti. The lyric can be read on two levels. The literal meaning is about a traveller asking questions about where he can stay for the night. He wants to stay at an inn, where there will be 'beds for all who come', a roof over his head. His five questions all receive an affirmative answer.
Figuratively, the poem is about a person reaching the end of his life and asking questions about a resting-place after he dies. An afterlife. Heaven is that inn. It is an angel, or God, who answers the travellers' questions. I find this an outstanding lyric poem in every way-ideas and form. Whichever way you read it, it is a finely-cadenced dialogue. Unforgettable really.