Nightpiece Poem by Timothy Steele

Always the same voice
(And what voice pray tell?)
Sings me from sleep.

And when I tender the insomniac's complaints,
It points out the universe
Isn't sleeping, why should I
Expect more than this obscure interval
In which to read by this tensor light,
Stick-figured, jointed at the waist,
Its luminous, bowed head in an old-fashioned bonnet.

Strengthen the weak, cheer the downhearted,
Remember kindnesses received
Rather than injuries endured
(Always the same voice),
Forget not benefits,
Among which are numbered
Even these terrors of the dark.

How gigantic the dark,
How hopeful the litany.