Night Watchman

Dan Williams

I am the night watchman, vigilant.

I see scheming and intrigue,

I see things being done preferred to be unwitnessed

while longing for catharsis; unlikely enough

before morning where honesty is slightly more unstressed,

where self-assurance is more easily bluffed.

 

I am the night watchman, alert.

Watching third shift workers ignore heavy lids,

believing biological clocks can be ignored,

laddered sleeplessness accepted as routine.

Stealing forward motion from where energy is stored,

forgetting where the daylight should have been.

 

I am the night watchman, concerned,

for souls unnaturally denied the rest gained only by repose.

Darkness once necessary for some repairs now undefined

while the real cost goes ignored or misrepresented to those

lured into shifts of higher pay but recondite overtime;

harsh lessons of sleep deficiency untaught, so not learned.

 

I am the night watchman, observing,

lawlessness darkness can serve to conceal...

thievery and homicide, shady dealings of all kinds.

A time of opportunity for the con man licentiate,

confidence men and pickpockets seeking gullible minds,

conspiracies and collusions proliferate.

 

I am the night watchman, retiring.

Serene nighttime hours no longer sanctuary or recluse,

more stern than solemn, more wearying, less solitaire,

inclusive more of boredom that once was almost obsolete.

Missing the awe at the sunrise in the crisp morning air,

breathing smell of fresh coffee on the early morning street,

too much already lost or too likely to lose.

  • Author: Dan Williams (Offline Offline)
  • Published: October 5th, 2024 00:21
  • Comment from author about the poem: Swing shift musings.
  • Category: Short story
  • Views: 18
  • Users favorite of this poem: Cheeky Missy
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Comments +

Comments4

  • Goldfinch60

    Keep watching and writing Dan.

    Andy

  • sorenbarrett

    When young I worked both swing and graveyard shifts and relate to this poem. I have slept on my feet and been prodded by the night watchman when they saw I was going through motions with my eyes closed. The repetative nature of the line I am the night watchman is hypnotic in a sense and contributes to the feel of the poem. Very nicely done

    • Dan Williams

      I worked a swing shift for almost ten years, my sleep cycle is still in the crapper. You do seem to read my mind, thanks.

    • Tony36

      Excellent write Dan

      • Dan Williams

        And my thanks to you.

        • Tony36

          You're welcome

        • Neville


          I have oft thought similarly ..
          they all come out at night, don't they and need to be watched ..

          Thanks for literarily keeping your eyes open for us Dan .. AGT's

          Neville



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