Night Trails

I turn to read the shadows in your eyes.
Sunlight slowly twists off the hills.
Silence speaks. We watch a half moon rise.

I walk alone, but often you surprise
my steps with yours. We puzzle through 'untils.'
I wish to read the shadows in your eyes.

Each ridge we've gained has cost us breath, but sighs
tell proud fatigue when evening chills.
Silence speaks. You watch a half moon rise.

Ferns bite at trails bent for highs
we may not trek before time stills.
I need to read the shadows in your eyes.

A fox calls. Doves stifle replies.
Will fading light disclose what darkness fills?
Silence speaks. I watch a half moon rise.

Horizon bleeds to night. We disguise
our questions and defer our separate wills.
I cannot read the shadows in your eyes.
Silence speaks. We watch a half moon rise.


(C) Copyright R. S. Carlson 1997

First published in Yankee (July 1997):110.
Click here to comment on the poem: QuangTri71@aol.com
Click here to go to the page:TOP.
Click here to return to the list of poems: R. S. Carlson's Poetry Pages