Nightfall
by
Nathanael Smith

The moon is up as sunshine sets
The death of day, fine as it gets
The final sunbeam, in spider's nets

The mountain-tops are shining still
But far below the darkling hill
Is sitting peaceful, waiting still

In deepest vale moths wing their flight
Relieved at last of burning light
The palest peasents of the night

The flowers, closing hearts of gold
Are giving way to fragrant mould
White petals sag, their stories told

Frail mortal man, his lanterns blaze
He hurries through the falling haze
Despises night, but loves the days

In downy beds the children sleep
In sunny dreams their respite deep
Their hearts untroubled by things that creep

From far above the moon looks down
Sees people huddled in their town
In a world unfettered, mankind is bound.