’twas a night of cold silent breeze
A wooden chair, hearth, and reverie
Empty hall and sound of the clock
The ballads of tragedy and bravery.

The books of Romance and books of love
Vivid flashes of several auguries
I thought of life
Misery and mockery.

The pages of rage and pages of sorrow
And a subtle sense of comedy
I thought of Romance
Misery and mockery.

Words full of energy and words fatigue
An obvious stage play of gaudery
I thought of Faith and Hope
Misery and mockery.

Readers, some excited, others exhausted.
A painful tottery
I thought of the journey
Misery and mockery.