Shadow’s Sleep
Virginia Salter


it was a day of shadow’s sleep
when the clouds ‘fore sun did creep
blacking out the light of day
keeping back delight’s convey
and bringing all to weep

for contrast of the joy of bright
was mourned profound in pain of fright
for morose did the hour seem be
and could not bring the glad to me
for its hold was much too tight

I walked and walked to escape the clouds
through the ever maddening crowds
whose shouts were driving me near mad
we could not see the good, for bad
so covered here in darkened shrouds

our legs grew weaker with each hour
our thoughts and tastes grew ever sour
until we buckled under pressure’s weight
upon our knees, in halted gait
in fervent prayer we sought His Power

as quickly as the day’d begun
the clouds were rent, revealing sun
warmed and befriended in full glee
we peeked and saw, so reverently
our shadows, too, with prayers spun

to our feet all friend and foe
bidding adieu to heavy woe
joining hands and hearts in mirth
the dark and light’s new given birth
full merriment did flow


© July 11, 2001