Artwork by Phil Burns

the night

each evening the sun goes down

shadows move and pain hits deep

that's when I face my inmost fears

and evade the clutch of sleep

I lie awake avoiding dreams

I pray dawn will be here soon

I know the nightmares linger still

on the dark side of the moon

the darkness drifts into my heart

I anticipate the fright

from crannies slither nameless beasts

who live and breathe the night

I huddle with wide open eyes

seeking the purity that saves

but grass and earth are thrust aside

as children leave their graves

all this I see but now I sense

black spectres' putrid breath

the misery that feeds my life

keeps me from blessed death

I pay the price for long past sins

when I marched with Satan's horde

because there’s a price for every soul

so I reap my just reward