WHIPPOORWILL

Sunlight exits stage left.  Moonlight enters stage right.

Starlight gathers at stage center.  Curtains draw back.

Windows rise for cool breezes.  A grandfather clock chimes.

Woodnotes call out.  Whippoorwill.

Heard less now.  But then, rooms appeared larger,

Days and nights seemed longer, and

Breath spread out beyond what could be seen,

Touched sounds carried by dark shadows and pale light.

Gray-brown-feathered, sight unseen, birds

Breed upon forest floors, perch on low branches,

Feed on insects, and speak of legends and poetry in

Three syllables--a refrain repeated like the ticking of a clock.

Until sleep corners the mind and dreams set a stage
In time with the woodnotes 
Creating rhythm and melody

For departing souls, sleepless eyes, and beating hearts

Tuned to birdsongs and light summer breaths.

©cmheuer, 2015