dear son, the night is darkening the sky
your eyes are heavy and your knees are weak:
heed now the sweet and quiet lullaby
the day is gone and sleep is drawing nigh
your touch, your kiss, your soft embrace I seek:
dear son, the night is darkening the sky
my eyes brush yours, light as a butterfly
your tiny fingers flutter on my cheek:
heed now the sweet and quiet lullaby
sweet dreams await: to sail or fight or fly,
to sound the depths or scale a lofty peak:
dear son, the night is darkening the sky
the crickets chirp, the eagles keening cry,
the breezes pine, the cradle timbers creak:
heed now the sweet and quiet lullaby
no need for fear: your parents are nearby
just like the gentle Savior, mild and meek:
dear son, the night is darkening the sky,
heed now the sweet and quiet lullaby
a villanelle for my sister
and brother-in-law & complement to "Rising Morning's Cheerful Call"