Poem:

When it’s twilight before darkness,

As the birds prepare to nest,

There’s a feeling, sound and real

That all Nature is at rest.

In the stillness of the dark night

When the crickets must compose

Their monotonous rendition,

There’s a calm that gently flows

Through the channels of creation

Into reservoirs of wonder;

Such tranquility nocturnal

Holds and cannot break asunder,

Being inherent in the nature

Of the quietude of night;

There’s no mighty force external

That can confiscate its right.

The owl’s monotonous ululation,

Penetrating the calm air,

Constitutes a part unchallenged

Of the calmness that we share.

When the mind is sorely burdened,

As the day must lose its shine,

Night can help relieve the pressure

Like some precious anodyne.

When life’s ship must toss and flounder,

Like upon a massive swell,

It is steered in the direction

That its captain knows but well.

Soon a soothing signal beckons

From beyond the range of light

And the captain drops the anchor

In the harbor of the night.