We run toward fleeting images,
Symbols of the night
With which we know no reason.
Driven clearly by a sense of need,
Our thoughts confused.
Rational mixed with desire.
Night acts in concealed images of shadow
Proudly showing us where to look.
Teaching us what we need to know.
Night, known for its darkened reason,
Exhibits simple themes of perfect release
As it shows us the direction to run.
Ritual instincts strive for recognition,
To join with the familiarity of routine thought.
We run toward mirages in the night.
Cool breeze reminds us that love is not lost
With the setting of the sun
Behind the trees that catch these sparkling words.
The western wind stings our eyes
And brings us fragrance of winter pine.
Safely giving just what we crave.
We learn to know this is true,
A faith we have come to believe
As we run toward mirages in the night.
Time and time again night lets us try
And then helps plan our final escape
As we run toward mirages in the night.
This is another of several poems written during a period where I was working an odd factory shift and never saw the sun except on weekends. Being ousdie under only moon and stars brings a completely different perspective to the world around us. These poems are how I was seeing and feeling.
The poem says night calls to us to explore its domain and celebrate its ability to conceal things that are obvious in the daylight. I found there to be a certain freedom in the night.
