Did I hear you whisper, my heart
or was it the boughs that spoke
dancing beyond my window panes
flushed as the rose after rains
that the brazen breeze had woke

Soft is the tender night
save the crickets that delight
and ladybirds on velvety strands
fresh from their jaunty rides
tickled red as pretty new brides

Behind the fluffy cloudy veil
the crescent maid mischief makes
coupled with those distant chimes
flashing a wink at times
lest I shed a tear or two
that the void this misty night
did thrust, a sudden in view

So let me begin afresh
Tell me, wasn't it you, after all
that the soft soul laid bare ?
Was it only those signs myriad
that artful nature outside
enforced upon me, most unfair ?

Even when dreams tear apart
in the deep corners of my heart
be that as it may
I shall still solace find
surely somehow, some way


Like supple tendrils unwind
let my blithe fanciful mind
in the sweet fragrance of this night
generous notes alluring
forever enduring
most graciously and willfully ignite