-- As the World Sleeps --

John Herlihy

Night’s arrival draws a film over the eyes,

A veil of darkness as the world sleeps.

The last to be silenced at sunset, bird cries,

A time when the weeping willow truly weeps.

The distant city wrapped in its nocturnal shroud,

The two bays at rest finally in the moonlight.

The silence enhanced by the passing of a cloud,

All at rest are at peace in the everlasting night.

Nothing stirs, even the restless wind died down,

The squirrels and chipmunks rest after their play.

A scarecrow watches over the land like a sad clown,

Birds tuck heads into feathers, nothing more to say.

The long sweep of grassland under a star-spread sky,

The leaves and pines whisper secrets in their sleep.

The eternal silence interrupted by a loon’s lonely cry,

Who sleeps not, in tribute to those with cause to weep.

The slow-moving moon rose in its nocturnal ascent,

Bathing the sleepy land in blessing as if by magic wand.

The orbiting earth surrenders to the night in free consent,

Even the ducks doze contentedly by the moonlit pond.

Toward the midnight hour, people drift into their slumber,

For a few brief moments, set aside the turmoil of their day.

To roam the ancient netherworld of dreams cast in wonder,

Where no real apprehension or sadness will find its way.

Images left behind in the mind that will never fade,

Such memories treasured that will continue to live.

Thru the woodcut images of a child’s primer to wade,

The evening skyline, with its hint of eternity, a gift to give.

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Copyright © John Herlihy

Saturday 3 July 2021