Longing awaits in tender night,
a heart's delight, but finds darkness there.
The shadow soon blankets every sight,
who would listen? What is this sordid influence?
What truth in silence no one should bear,
becomes every day a silent sentence.
In daylight I remember a word,
I remember innocence and a quieter place.
You remained you and I remained me,
before the commands of approval reigned here.
Does happiness still remember your face,
that once could smile without fear.
Cruelty masks itself once more,
smiling with tears, laughing through pain.
Affection dare not wound and adore,
inflicting deeper doubt than a heart can endure.
Truest is friendship, in its gentlest strain,
like a helping hand, sound and sure.
How to free a lion from the cage,
or release this bird from the master's hand?
Their puzzle defines my coming of age,
ever demanding is that rarest virtue of patience.
And patient I shall win and with you stand,
against this and other darker agents.
Brian Francis Hudon
February 4, 2020
