when the eyes fail to perceive
and the heart lessens to drink
when the brain tap nozzled
drips slowly in a lonely sink

when the owls shriek
in melodic tunes
when the moon quickens
like a lightening noon

yet it only a midnight draft
the floorboards creak
the shadowbird laughs
and yet ceases to speak

when the door swings open
and shingles screech for the moon
you think it's early
the crickets mumble in tune

when the night is up
the sparrow has yet to speak
crowing on a metalled fence
glistening powdered bleak

when the night is up
cows bury the dune
the night is, up
the mare is looking for the groom