Before I Knew Better

Before I knew any better I loved the nighttime best to slip outside and take a walk while all the world's at rest To feel the cool upon my skin to smell fresh earthy air to see the glitter of distant stars to dream awake, aware Amid the mystical moonlight and dancing shadows from trees I sang, and played, and laughed, and sighed so young, untamed and free 'Though midnight's magical silence would cast an eerie spell I felt at ease within the world alive and very well I'd sprawl on beds of clover scale haystack mountains tall or sometimes splash in moonlit pools as rain began fall Embraced by all the universe I thought no ill could come from creeps, or fiends, or criminals or other human scum But age has made me wiser through tragedy and time and I've begun to gladly shun the dark for hidden crimes Before I knew any better I loved the nighttime best now daytime is my guardian and brings me welcome rest