The Teachings of Darkness

As oncoming headlights peep in for fleeting glances,
and the shroud of darkness envelopes His sinning masses;
when the rest of the world turns a turn in sleep,
and thousands of horses gallop across on wheels.

When the comfort of azure skies has all but vanished,
and the floor of the bus rocks in lullabic rhythms;
when the night-crawlers are, for a sleepy day, famished,
and birds all nestling, safe in their dwellings.

As the lights go dim for the longest hour,
and weary commuters snore away their care;
when guards are lowered, swords are sheathed;
when no laws function, and all is fair.

 When eyes are heavy with un-shed tears,
of pain and pity, longing and fear;
when the breast is burdened with worldly bother,
and the countenance withered like an autumned flower.

As the skin is reddened, courtesy winged parasites,
and bowels churn with hunger and dysfunction;
as diffident ideas take shape and crumble,
gutted in the raging fires of reason.

When hopes are watered with the essence of reality,
and the imminence of solitary life all but realized;
when the night engulfs and greets as an equal,
and the tremulous journey equates the tranquil end.

When miles pass by and the heart cares no more,
no qualms with the past, no losses to bemoan;
It is then, past midnight, that it dawns on me,
that I am a man, all on my own.