Night on the Bayou

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I know it’s night on the bayou

I see the bronzed starlight cast upon the inky water

I notice the trees sift the pallid moonlight through their lurching branches

I observe the bulbs blink dimly in those doddering wooden sheds

I hear the gramophones stuttering ditties through the cold air

I feel the runny mist collect near the dusty and frayed ropes

I know it’s night on the bayou

But my boat does not move

Even as I sense the dark water gently moving underneath

It does not stir

If it’s night on the bayou

Then why does not my vessel budge

Why does it not drift me back home

Why does it not sail me safely ashore

I know it’s night on the bayou

I know it is

It must be

It has to be

I need it to be

I know it’s night on the bayou

And I fear that it may be for eternity