First Night

 

First Night

 

In the long years before the moon was hung,

And the stars were less widely strewn,

Ancient terror dwelt ‘neath the darkling skies,

And stalked a fledgling race new come.

 

Some monstrous breed not natural born,

Jealous of the innocents unspoiled,

With fearsome weapon and insatiable thirst,

They hunted in unbroken night.

 

But could not fully vanquish then

For though the race of man was new,

Bright-eyed they were and empty yet

Of knowledge that could turn them cruel.

 

But soon their minds were turned to things

That could be made for their defense

And being yet in their youth

Their study proved to be too quick.

 

And though the struggle was long and long,

The foe was at last rooted out.

To stalk no more these savage young

In whom now was a fire lit.

 

A flame in them that burned too hot

To ever be now fully quenched

And so they looked for new enemy to quell,

And found only each other to ready hand.

 

Today the stars are widely thrown,

And moon will shine her pallid light.

But our still young and feral race

Has not yet learned that we could be at peace.

 

That we could be at peace.

We could be at peace.

Why haven’t we found peace?

 

Cliff Lake 5/29/2023

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