Night Shadows

Can the night have a personality?

Mine the highest peaks of yonder mountains
but only for the meager moment I can steal
To me belong the lowest creases of the valleys
it is on them that I impose my will
For me the wolf howls brokenly to the stars
but only until the moon falls from the sky
It is for me alone the snow comes
gems no earthly wealth can buy

Under my cover the knife is sharpened
It is in me that legends dwell
In me lovers' songs swell
heroes fell
secrets tell
all the terrors of hell
become manifest at my simplest incantation

Every child fears me
Every crime reveres me
and were it up to me I'd show no favour
to any but the one who is stranger
to all and friend to none
for this one only are my secrets won

To the wanderer my only gift
I offer solitude and a place to lift
your soul through darkness into my night
I'll hide you from reality's sight