In The Hush Of Night

An amber street lamp casts its rays

to steal the edge off gloom,

illuminating shadowed walls

inside a darkened room.

While others slept and dreamed in bed

I glanced up at the clock,

gold pendulum swung back and forth

in time with each tick tock.

The minutes seemed to gather speed

and move at breathless pace,

no chance that Time would take a nap,

his hands skimmed round his face.

Soon vibrant chimes had echoed clear,

at one, at two, at three.

The hours had raced while I embraced

and penned my poetry.

The task complete, now satisfied,

I turned to close the door,

the clock smiled back, I swear it winked

as chimes were striking four.

Reviews

[Lorry]

I think this is one of my favourites of yours Chris. It's so bright in it's flow, which is polar to the feelings usually associated with being awake at that time, but I guess it's what you're doing at the time :)
The quiet hours are the best of moments, were the natural rhythms of your surroundings seem to beat a tempo that lulls you into quiet reflection. Perfect for writing.
And as you lay your pen down for another night.....I call that moment Oh s**t o'clock :)
We all feel your thoughts on this one, very relatable.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Lorry. Oh s**t o'clock, I will never forget that expression now :) You own it. Yes, I think these lines are relatable to other poets. It's when I am at my most productive and content I guess. It's an old poem, but I think poetry is timeless. Thank you for your lovely review :)

Chris

[Lorry]

And don't forget, when alcohol is involved, it becomes silly O'clock :)

[Chris Shaw]

:)) Got any more?

[Lorry]

Yeah, stupid o'clock is with alcohol and a long walk home :)

[Chris Shaw]

.,..............:)) Hope you don't suffer that one often

[Lorry]

Drink, no... Long walks home, yes :)

[Marvin Thomas Cox-Flynn..]

It is quite clear that you not only love poetry, but you have studied your craft well, as this is a delightful poem that is absolutely magical in its imagery that easily speaks to the heart of any poet, any writer who seeks that special time of night or day, when solitude keeps the problems of life at bay, and allows that creative energy to flow upon page as a pure heart painting to canvas a poem of feelings, thoughts, and emotions that simply cannot be put into words of ordinary conversation betwixt two souls cackling away into the night ... I love beautiful poetry and this is a prime example of such beauty penned to page ... I see you are a Brit ... That explains the attention of detail to form and style ... Well, my ancestors were Scotsmen for 500 years before being ousted to Ulster in the very early 1600's due to the King's lack of any sense of humor towards my Clan's proclivity towards theft, extortion, kidnapping, rape, and murder ... We were actually good folk when sleeping, but a force to reckoned with when saddled and riding against those who opposed us as Clan Graham ... Cox is an alias aka taken in Ulster as an attempt to disguise our infamous reputation for mischief and mayhem, and so a George Graham arrived in America as George Cox ... It is an honor to meet you dear lady ...

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Marvin. Thank you for your visit to my page and for your wonderful response to my efforts. You have a wicked sense of humour and I enjoyed how you have introduced yourself. So very pleased to meet you too.

Chris

[Marvin Thomas Cox-Flynn's Dark Poetry & More]

LOL! ... you are most welcome dear lady, and good writing to you ...

Marv

[grimfukle]

I chuckled at the end of the this one Chris!
We can all relate to this well worded ode to craft.

[Chris Shaw]

Any poet worth their salt has burned the candle. The muse is not clock friendly, she visits and barges in when she is ready:))

Chris

[Gypsy Warrior Queen]

burning those midnight hours are the most productive sometimes.... Loving this treat!

[Chris Shaw]

Best hours for poetry production Queenie. Thank you for checking this one out.

Chris

[ohiojohn]

Loved that last paragraph, especially.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much John.

Chris

[Re-Pete]

cleverly delightful. an old Welsh proverb says that, "A watched clock never tells the time." you managed to capture a moment in time and make it come alive. there is a peaceful sense that all is ok in the embracing quiet of night. i swear i was there. simply wonderful ... :)

[Chris Shaw]

What a thoughtful response Pete. So pleased I took you there.

Chris

[Jimmy Yetts]

Am a lifelong night-owl.
This light and lovely poem speaks for me--much more poetically than I ever could.
Enjoyed the read, Chris!

[Chris Shaw]

Hello night owl. That has to be your new name. Love that you can relate so well to my lines.

Chris

[Melissa]

I love this this one. I used to really enjoy those midnight hours when the whole house was asleep but me. This is a charming description of those hours.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Melissa. My favourite time too. I appreciate your visit.

Chris

[AYVID N]

It was a pleasure to read this poem Chris. The night hours feel very quietly enchanting and the sheer pleasure of keeping up with the Muse as time slips away, so beautifully written !

[Chris Shaw]

When that muse visits DIVYA, we just have to welcome the visit. No matter what time. You are so right, in her company the time can fly. Thank you.

Chris

[AYVID N]

I know that feeling Chris. The pen just flows, as does our joy...

You are most welcome!

[Flowers of Eternity]

I love the rhythm and flow of your poem!
And sonehow I can imagine the scenery.
Wonderful work!!!

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much Flowers of Eternity (such a beautiful name) for checking this one out.

read moreThank you so much Flowers of Eternity (such a beautiful name) for checking this one out.

Chris

[Flowers of Eternity]

Sure will! Thanks for the compliment!