The Book Of Night - Ten Poem by Daniel Brick

Interlude:
Oppositions within the Night Realm

(1)

Night is not a place of refuge.
It does not provide sanctuary or safety.
It is not a hollow tree into which you can climb,
and taking shallow breaths, wait for your pursuers
to disperse.* Even if they disperse, you will not
be free, because The Night does not make common cause.
You will prevail or fail on your own. No one in the distances
of darkness will appear armed in your cause for succor
or defense. The Night has its secret goals, it sets
them in a secret accord with itself and never wavers.

* Edgar, KING LEAR, II, iii


(2)

The Night covers you in her darkness.
It is only her first gesture, others will follow,
some so subtle you won't even realize she has helped.
Like the wide stone arch, splashed with moonlight.
it will house your secrets in silent depths.
And the waters beneath the forest floor will assume
a rhythm matching your heart-beat, you and the Earth
making a single life pattern. And the owls, your spirit
animal according to Marie of Ireland, will penetrate
your skull and fill your brain with the quiet, lasting
wisdom of the Night-Realm. NOW you know what
so many others refuse to learn.