I shall close my eyes no more,

For fear is mine to keep.

I shall not slumber,

Neither shall I sleep.

For I know not if tomorrow,

I will again greet.

For I hear the night train coming

And its sound grows ever nearer to me.

                SO

I bid my eyes, to hold their place,

Lest my lids somehow close in sleep.

And as a vapor in the night,

I depart from this life without a trace.

 Bare with me now, if you can

For I grow weary,

and my spirit is weak.

 hold not now your peace,

Speak out in strength

 from this silent rage

and wave by this night train

one more time.

  J. Allen Wilson © 2003