taking stock

after long shadow an uncertain light

shows wintry forest and a frosty town

but we are grateful for the end of night

dawn brings us matters that do not delight

the legacy of knave and fool and clown

after long shadow an uncertain light

nor are the guilty shame-faced or contrite

rather they think they still deserve renown

but we are grateful for the end of night

hope holds her breath for chances are so slight

yet no one thinks that we should talk them down

after long shadow an uncertain light

the criminal declares that he was right

to let the storm-wracked take their chance and drown

but we are grateful for the end of night

what we are left with is the thought of blight

as futures close and each has cause to frown

after long shadow an uncertain light

but we are grateful for the end of night