Night Passages

12/14/01

As I drift half-consciously to sleep

I hold a blessing packet in my hand,

Charged with grace and given me to keep

The hounds of night at bay and countermand

The voices dark that softly bid us leave

Our sweetness' sanctuary close within

For wanton ways that make the spirit grieve,

Turning from light to welcome darkness in.

We must discern the false, become aware

Of worlds in worlds that cunningly do hide

The demon in the garb of forms so fair

Who would our earthly progress cast aside;

Protect the soul from perils that entreat

And toward the realms of beauty set out feet.