The Daughter of Night

The city is still, though the night birds trill,
And the dogs all bay at the moon.
As the felines prowl through the alleys foul,
They all know that she's coming soon.

While out for a walk, I stopped for a talk
With an old acquaintance of mine.
"She's coming," said he, in a voice of glee,
And he offered a glass of wine.

I shook my head no, and then turned to go,
And then he grabbed me by the arm.
"Be wary, my friend, or you'll meet your end.
The lady might just wish you harm."

I then turned away, and there, a bright ray
From the moon then seemed to shine down.
A wonderous sight stood there in the light:
A maid in a silvery gown.

Her raven-black hair was silken and fair,
And her lips were a ruby red.
Her skin was as white as a dove in flight,
With a garland around her head.

Her eyes were like flame as onward she came,
And smiled at me in my fright.
She held out her hand and asked, "Can you stand
To dance with the Daughter of Night?"

My jaw was agape. I couldn't escape.
I nodded and offered a bow.
"I'm honored," I said, my voice tinged with dread,
While beads of sweat dampened my brow.

I then moved and placed one hand on her waist,
Her other hand, I gently grasped.
Her flaming red eyes turned blue as the skies.
She smiled, and softly, she gasped.

We danced and we swayed to music that played
Which no one who saw us could hear.
Her laugh was a balm, and filled me with calm.
My affection conquered my fear.

The first rays of morn began to adorn
The city with glittering day.
We finished our dance, and I took a chance
And asked her if she would please stay.

She curtsied to me, and said, "You are free.
You've pleased me, and now I must go."
And in the sun's ray, she faded away.
And my tears then started to flow.

There are many things that the darkness brings,
But how I wish with all my might
That once again soon, and under the moon,
I'll dance with the Daughter of Night.