A brief poem, inspired by JWJ...

So when my feeble sun of life burns out,
     And sounded is the hour for my long sleep,
     I shall, full weary of the feverish light,
Welcome the darkness without fear or doubt...

from Mother Night, by James Weldon Johnson

For a Friend, Before Darkness

When you run, may it be with grace,

     o'er grass and hill, or beaten path

     hair pulled back, feeling the wrath

of sleet and wind across your face.

He picked you up and pushed you on

     and from afar cheered you forward

     knowing always they path was hard

believing your heart and all it had won.

So keep running, do not settle

     for now the shining light

     cracks through your might

proving your courage and mettle.