Published on 03/14/2007

A poem written by Adrienne Tinn (The Writer's Workshop)

Come, Gentle Night

In the shadow of a greater power

Giant whirling suns traverse the sky,

Trees with blackened branches climb and tower

Over weary travellers passing by.

Daytime birdsong is a hard, harsh crowing.

Vultures perch aloft to swoop and strike;

Cruel eyes of amber, burning, glowing;

Soot-black feathers, Torquemada-like.

Sunlight hard and harsh as anger burning;

Landscape barren as a desert scene;

Wind-caught grasses writhe here, twisting, turning.

Memory returns a brilliant green.

Distant cry of pain, swift rising, falling,

Trembles drooping leaves of grey and brown,

Sending out a message with the calling.

Shrieked crescendo swiftly dying down.

Purpled sky; far off a lone star peeping.

A cool breeze blows. The birds have taken flight.

Peace at last! The traveller is sleeping

In the gentle comfort of the night.

Adrienne Tinn