I Wait

Not Midnight yet, not near that late that lucky hour when sleep might come Sleep the sneak-thief slipping through the dark to impale my eyes with gentle slumber visions of half-truths and unseen wonders But, I resist unwilling champion of the night Guardian of the shadows Protector of the unborn morn The babe of new beginnings The end of endless night The bright new boy, the hope, the day Not Midnight yet, not near that late That watchful hour when stars are small bright gems spread 'cross the velvet cloth Creator's canvass I await confessed, in darkness dressed but, I hear no request, no master shown No path that leads away from my own past I stand my turn, my vigil endless night my Holy test My expectant waiting for daylight blessed My fear, my eyes closing to see my own lost innocence