In the Cool Night Air

The bistred day has fallen still, A darkened mead hangs overhead; The hush within the evening chill Chants now the yore is gone to bed. A gently breeze steals from the west, Cool along the shadowed lanes; The sunburned broil, now at rest, Its warmth has gone, though still remains. The cool night air stands all alone Anon the past is gone to sleep; Daytime secrets tossed and blown, The faithful night for ere to keep. Secrets that the breeze fears speak, Winnowing in the night-time swell; Brushing eastward 'gainst your cheek... The whispered wind mayn't kiss-n'-tell. Evensong is served this eve All around the moonlit shrine; Absolution cedes when you believe, The cool night air is sweet as wine. Drink your fill in solemn thought, Let your mind escape within; Cleanse your conscience, ever fraught, Save your soul! ~ confess your sin! Here beneath a cloudless sky You're not alone ~ you seldom are; Within the dim nocturnals fly As someone watches from afar. So, meditate, your faith elate, Ruminate, and yet beware; Intoxicate your mindless state, Drinking in the cool night air.