The Shadow Child

I sit and gaze at breathing night Soft and plush, like blackest velvet. I wonder off and on if he will call. The night speaks to me from beyond the glass window, Muttering, whispering, like a lover. It teases me, taunts me, "Come out and play," it breathes into my mind. The darkness is friendly Inviting, Deceptively charming as a spider in its web. I reach to open the window... And the night flows over me, full of promises. The sweet air kisses me, caresses me, Toys playfully with the smoke from my cigarette, Making rings and swirls with the soft, white vapors. The night sings to me Soft love songs to tantalize the brain. I can't resist. I get up, and zombie-like move toward the door... And out into the soft cloak of the darkness. It has me in its grasp, I can't escape. I am a child of night now, A shadow, elusive And I begin to fade, And whisper, My voice joining in song with a thousand others: "Come out and play, Come out and play..."