ANOTHER STORMY NIGHT

War clouds
gather
like hungry wolves
howling!

Another stormy night
when the world flies away
upon the wind

and rain falls
across the face of the Moon

drowning all the words
written upon the sky.

 

A fire burns
in the dark cave
behind the poet's eyes.

Once again
on Night Patrol

following a young soldier

in a war
written in blood.

A pen writing the places
where the dead must sleep.

Where promises were impossible
to keep.

 

At dawn
the soldier turns around

staring at the old poet
with the poet's eyes

so young
strong
and so very long ago.

 

The soldier waves
in silence

... and smiles!

 

The Sun is rising!

 

The soldier fades away.

©Copyright November 23, 2004 by Lou J. Klaiber

Awarded: May 20, 2005