the dark

First rooster, still dark. Longest night yet. Slept some hours, then not.

No sky tonight; the dark only. I think this can't go on much longer, and the thought flies up like a spark from the fire, fading as it rises, then winks out.

I should go look for others. But I never do. Or haven't so far. Afraid what I'll find, no lie.

The night teems with sound, though none to comfort me.

— O stop that noise, ungrateful fool: show some respect for the crickets and their cousins, whatever they're saying. Unless you can sing, don't interrupt the music.