Night Music

It is twilight and the earth is breathing still
I pace
Barefoot and unveiled
Light left behind
The grass damp and cool beneath my feet
A swish of silk
A shadow

The stars stare blandly down
The moon low and watchful
She offers no warmth or comfort
Her solstice past
Gathering Her army of foolish dreams
Magic thrumming its song
Of promise and power
And lonely whispers in the dark

Orion and His faithful hounds
Shine bright above
Darkness gathers its strength
As the demons lurk
And the night lets loose its memories

Here is where it begins and ends
Endless path of destiny
Mortal flesh and divine combine
Dreams become reality
Or fade into the dark

Her path is pitted and swathed in mist
I peer into the shadows
A glimpse, a hint of jewel-like sparks
Are all I have to follow

The night descends with teeth and fury
The demons tear and gibber
Silken armor tattered
Unseen scars left pale and burning
Blind and faltering I move on

A howl, a laugh, a whimper
I hear the bay of hounds
Of pack and clan and home
The smell of blood
The kiss of steel
The hunt has loosed its cry
The wolf scents its prey
And the Goddess smiles

She is light and dark and shadow
Created from the depths of dreams
Guide and hearth and bitter drink
When the moon shines its borrowed light
And the sun is sleeping

The night is her classroom
Her pupils bound and tried
Jury and executioner
Mercy and soft Sight
Harsh and cruel and Hers
To command or destroy

And yet
She breathes and my heart is light
My feet no longer stall
The wind is her voice
The night her cloak
The warmth of hearth and home

My fire ignites
And Her thoughts mingle with my own
The dew beneath my stumbling feet
Kiss softly
The demons speak no more