I will tell you of the dark

that curves around the light

when the land sleeps

gently as a large moon

bellied creature.

Of tiptoeing across

the void of shadowscapes

faceless, colourless, genderless

known only by my ways. To bless

or to harm or meekly

pass by. Stars are chattering

 in their inky domain

 winking secret codes for unfamiliar

trails discovered not by stye or

gate but crooked pass

amongst the trees and edgelands

Undefined unperceived by day.

Of songs, guttural sounds and sleepful

l winds accompanying the way,

 restoring courage

 failed by sight’s dim view.

What kindness done in

shadow unseen by accolade and broadcast

in softened hue.

Darkened leaves shelter the

hunted, the small folk, mice.

Dampness softens

the way for snails to ease

their homes to away from thrush’s murderous eye

and  spiders lace their orb webs

across the grasses.

Trees yield doorways

harbouring doe and sheep.

Wrens in stillness become the hawes and elder.

And all the ways

I look in fatigue and disappointment

Replaced, awakened to the invitation

Of a new adventure.

My dullness of step

cast heavy by the days burdens, lighten in tread

as my footprints seeking safe passage

 across a threshold of new possibilities

 only d darkness can recognise