The shades of night dropped down softly

Like billowing drapes of translucent black velvet

Falling on houses and lawns alike

Bringing with its descent a quieting of the city

The houses change with the fall of darkness

becoming traps that have captured daylight

and the quietude that was outside has moved inside

as the evening news is told from flickering tv screens

as the shade deepens the night sounds

begin to be heard from the grass and trees

crickets squeak and the mosquito hums

to his lady friend busily biting the uncovered arm

as the hours pass even the houses grow dark

the neighborhood sleeps, only an occasional car

takes its tired driver home, to a dark house

and only the animals of the night travel the lawns

it is a time of rest for most, for unrest for others

the restful sleep and recapture the energy expended

the restless are full of dread, tension and are vigilant

until the light returns, giving them comfort, and safety

and yet, there was no threat from the shades of black

only the light was unavailable, so why the fear?

It seems unseen foes are dreaded more then those seen, and in the quietness grow large with ominous implications