The poem uses vivid imagery to describe the oppressive summer heat, comparing it to a "fiery dragon" and a "broiling pot." The child, longing for the cool comfort of their bed, imagines themselves as a ship sailing on a "sea of sheets."
The speaker then imagines the "night-time" as a cool and inviting place, where the "moon is up" and "the stars are bright." They are eager for the "cool and quiet" of the night, when they can finally escape the heat of the day.
The poem ends with a playful line, "But oh, to lie and sleep, and dream, / And wake up in the morning's gleam!" emphasizing the child's enjoyment of the night and their hope for a cool and refreshing morning.
In essence, "Bed in Summer" is a humorous and relatable exploration of the summer heat from a child's perspective, capturing their longing for coolness and their imaginative escape into the comfort of their bed.