Night (1959-60)

Night, ever frightening and dark,
With all its silence and stillness,
Brings rest at last to all the land,
And holds it in deep slumber till day.

Adults and children alike climb into bed,
While cats climb on to high rooftops
To give their screeching calls to friends
Who likewise have come out to play.

Owls wait hovering on silent wings
To hunt the small unwary mice
Who in turn are hunting for their prey.
The smiling moon now sends forth silvery swords
To pierce the cloak of the dreaded night.

C. D. ALDRIDGE, IIIA.