Andrew Durbin
The Return of The Daughter of Night
Not so long ago, with the moon shining bright,
I smiled and danced with the Daughter of Night.
And ever since then, my heart has been yearning,
Seeking the beautiful maiden’s returning.
On nights I will wander each alley and street,
And when the sun rises, I bow in defeat,
For although I’ve searched every corner and hall,
The Daughter of Night cannot be found at all.
For months I have searched, and still she eludes me.
I long for her dance, and hope she includes me.
I know that some people will think I’m bewitched,
Or even may say that my mind is unhitched.
To all of those people, I laugh in their face.
They don’t understand the fair maiden’s true grace.
I once again long to dance under the moon.
I know she is coming. I know it is soon.
Not two night ago, while sleeping quite soundly,
A voice pierced my mind, intense and profoundly.
“Awaken, my love, for I have come to dance.
Be grateful that I even give you a chance.”
I rose from my bed, my heart loudly throbbing.
Tears fell from my eyes as I began sobbing.
The Daughter of Night had again come to me.
Her voice was as strong as the tides of the sea.
I ran from my house and out into the road,
And when I had seen her, my footsteps were slowed.
The maid for whom I had been searching was there.
A bright beam of moonlight shone down on her hair.
Her silver gown was as gorgeous as ever.
Her blue eyes were sharp, as though they might sever
The ties that were holding my body and soul.
But none of that mattered. With her, I was whole.
She then smiled at me, and curtsied once more.
She asked me, “Remember how we danced before?”
I eagerly nodded and bowed at the waist.
I said, “Other feelings have since been erased.”
And soft gentle music then started to play,
Swathing us both in its glorious array.
A shivering feeling then crept up my spine,
When I looked in her eyes, and she looked in mine.
Time passed by too quickly, and before too long,
A sadness came o’er her. I asked, “What is wrong?”
A tear then rolled down from her eye to her cheek.
She then shook her head, and did not deign to speak.
The rays of the morning began to appear.
I was seized with a horrible feeling of fear.
She faded from me in the light of the sun.
Her voice echoed to me, “Our dancing is done.”
I screamed out in anguish for her to come back.
And from deep in my chest, my heart it did crack.
I knew that I would never see her again.
I’ve pined and I’ve ached for her ever since then.
I still search the city from dusk until dawn.
I know in my heart that the maiden is gone.
And though I keep searching, I know in my core
I’ll not see the Daughter of Night any more.