quickly now, look and see –
fast-fallen dusk lifts his head
and smiles tartly

but though the long-feared night approaches
there is yet hope of dawn
there is yet that hazily remembered
conceptual light.

Come rosy-fingered aurora!
Come and succor our gloom-filled minds
Come we beg thee,
Come and aid our flight from night’s embrace
and all shalt yet be saved.

Slowly now I do see –
smoldering night lingers yet
the sky breathes deep.