The Night Owl

I look along the waking night

And praise the stars that gleam

So full and bright and bountiful,

As if I’m in a dream.

I gaze in curiosity—

a world with my own globes.

Daunting knowledge to apprehend

For the fledgling crowned lobes.

I perch and ponder in the sky—

Such notions twist me south.

I think and blink and hoot all night,

But am hooked at the mouth.

At last, I watch the night again

With patient scrutiny

I read the purple moving clouds

And gage their clarity.

The motions down below repeat,

The sky is always new.

With dancing winds and blinking stars,

The night sings something true.

The passing lore molts a fresh mind

And shade preserves the light.

The hidden owl with glowing eyes

Continues with the night.