Ode to the Night

Ode to the Night

By M. F. B. Porter

Your sultry breath brushes my skin, electric,

And as I trace the vague, opaque streets.

You cloak me from bitter, prying eyes

And shelter me from the bleak day's defeats.

You greet me fondly after the retreating sun,

Keeping me company through the sinking conclusion.

I heed to your whispering messages of foretelling,

I inhale your subtle, musky fumes of delusion,

I swallow your distressing, hushed secrets,

Intoxicating my exhilarated senses.

You vanish at the golden enemies advance

And I cannot afford your taxing expenses, but

Under your influence I continue to pretend.