A Stir of Silence

A stir of silence in the night;

something moved, but was only felt.

I searched the blackened sky for movement,

then resolved to face what I was dealt.

Shadows blossomed —

they grew and grew,

charcoal‑colored;

they shared their dew.

Nothing that night was in my view,

nothing in my sight.

And the whispers were inaudible,

but they moved through me with fright.

No moonlight, no starlight,

and not even owls with haunting hoots.

But I think I felt the soldiers coming,

though I couldn’t even hear their boots.

I peered through the willows,

hoping to gain a glance,

but saw nothing but darkness —

though in my mind they danced.

I say hello to nights such as this;

I know they will come again.

And though I will not see it,

I’ll feel their laughing grin.