In the dark of night

When some do fright

With uneasiness stirred

From where there were 

Purrs - which sounded fine

Until faced with a new line

Which said "Stand up and see

What kind of person I can be"



And then we squint and stare

To see just who is really there

And then - as we focus in a bit

We start to see what really ticks

And then we relax and so partake

Of quite a new experience made

Partly of on-rushing souls

But also of excitement told



Bandied between old and young

As many have stood and sung

Praises in honor of all done

As we have laid foundations

For lively coherent talk

As we have lined with chalk

Borders which mark the edge

Of the magnificent ledge



Upon which we stand here

As we hold all things dear

And know we cannot fail

For we have now sails

Which will float us along

On waves so high and strong

For we are tending so to

The goodness of life true.



- Tristram