Darkness Comes

The fire dies,
     the last log is in the flame.

I see him, his glowing eyes
     out in the night.

His growls fill the shadows,
     louder as the shades lengthen.

My old friend and companion,
     my tormentor.

I bank the fire,
     willing the embers to warm me.

In my foolish youth,
     I thought I would win the fight.

As youth gave way to maturity,
     I thought to run, outpace him.

As maturity grew into age,
     I know he will always be with me.

Around me, I see the campfires
     of my friends as the light slowly dies.

My knight, his silver armor
     dimmed into dark.

He stood beside me, in the deepening darks,
     beside me in the lonely watches of the night.

My lovely Amazon Queen, her strong arms holding safe and tight,
     her passion heating me, as the smithy's forge.

She who brings me to life, whose love drives back the gloom,
     her desire quickens my heart, takes my breath.

Her rest she has found in her lover’s arms,
     soon to take him husband and embark to that life.

My Elven Princess, my morning and even star,
     slumbers in the bed of she who loves her best.

My guide, my succor, my teacher, my daughter,
     the best of all I love in spirit.

All must away, all must find rest alone,
     deep in the long night.

All must away,
     for we all in the grave must lie alone.

All must, one day, find rest,
     in the deep of eternal night.

But not tonight,
     not this night.

I snuggle close to he who has loved me longest,
     his even breath lulls me to sleep.

Even as the Beast takes up his place,
     His head close to my throat.

My hand finds his head,
     my fingers scratch his ear.

He growls, his head rolls,
     a rumble and he sleeps.

One night, he may bite,
     but not tonight, not this night.

Tomorrow there will be a dawn,
     a dawn, God willing, I will see.

But then again, the night,
     darkness always comes.

Just as does the dawn.