The Chalice of Night

The Chalice of Night pours dark on the stair
drops of shadows that don't belong there.
Echoes of footsteps--do they signal harm?
Whispers in bushes that push our alarm.

We know spirits like to do their roaming
in quiet darkness or amid murky gloaming.
We feel their breath as it tickles our ear;
murmuring softly, they arouse more fear.

Walking alone on a deserted lane
in dark night, footfalls I cannot explain.
Is that just a bush, or something unknown?
can it be paper, or a silk kerchief shown?

Reading alone by mere lamp flame,
I hear someone whisper my name.
A step on the stair, a brush of air,
I wonder if Night is creeping in there.

At night, it's best to sit outside by fire,
gaze at stars' wonder to our heart's desire.
Release our dark fears to nightfall instead,
and leave expired mortals entirely dead!

January 19, 2022
Copyright © | Year Posted 2022

Poem

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Faulkner Avatar
January 22, 2022 at 8:19 PM
The night's mystique shines through in your evocative verse, love the line 'drops of shadows that don't belong there' - the most alluring are the secrets that are shared~
Peck Avatar
January 23, 2022 at 7:12 PM
Oh, I like that last line, Michelle :) Chantelle said the darker, the better. Truth be known, I'm a scardy cat. I always appreciate your comments. Take care :)
Calasibetta Avatar
January 20, 2022 at 9:11 AM
An eerie tale told~your imagery is breathtaking! Good luck in the contest! :) Paulette
Peck Avatar
January 20, 2022 at 11:00 AM
Thank you so much, Paulette. It was a fun poem to write:)
Thompson Avatar
January 19, 2022 at 4:10 PM
I really like the imagery of your piece. It is a bit darky and mysterious. Have a great one!
Peck Avatar
January 20, 2022 at 8:56 AM
Hi Jessica, my computer just hiccoughed so you may get this twice. The contest sponsor said the darker, the better, so I tried to make it a bit spooky :) Thanks for commenting
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