One Night’s Experience
The forest, dark and dull,
Lay beneath the spell
Of a silent hell.
Devoid of gentle lull,
The sluggish river lay -
A somber stream of gray.
Above, a night sky spread,
Enclosed by muddy clouds
Like viscous, yellow shrouds.
Through this scene of dread
Began to appear
The mystic sphere.
Meandering river, dancing, bright,
Now with silver sparkles strewn;
Now the forest heard her tune.
Veiling all in silver light,
The moon revealed
What gloom had sealed.
