The night was vanguished for a moment

The night was vanquished for a moment.

A smile rose in his face and around his eyes.

It was like a clear day after a trail of rainy years.

It was like a spring day after a harsh and late winter.

 

He smiled and the smile creased his shriveled face.

It revealed him a handsome specimen of the human race.

He smiled for a moment in a kind of hope

that was the first time in years.

and then he shook your hand and gave himself away.

 

Do you wonder that the night was vanguished?

It was for him.

For it never again held such power

nor left him so impotent in it's face.

 

Christopher H. Holte, January 1983