NIGHT LIGHT

Easing down a woodland trail
long before daylight
full moon's light both gray and pale
although it's shining strong and bright

I've a flashlight in my hand
to guide my knees past tripping vines
in a monochromatic land
while I daydream of ivory tines

Trying to quieten gimpy stride
so woodland creatures I don't disturb
( still hear their scurries as they hide )
in their pre-twilight suburb

Pause is made ' bout each ten yards
on this cold clear night
avoiding frozen puddles' shards
for there's no warmth in this moonlight

The silver orb nears leafless trees
so luminous it hurts the eyes
the air now stirs with hint of breeze
I stop and turn my gaze to skies

Luna outshines the milky way
but not the constellations
there's a jetliner making way
transferring folks to warm vacations ?

At last I'm where I meant to go
the post where I'll spend most of day
just as the east begins to glow
and gray shadows surrender sway