Darkness

• Ahmed Shaikh, Grade 7, Al Faisal College
• Poetry
• 2021

Excellence Award in the 'Play On Words 2021' competition

Under the veil of night
does creep out the fright
its hands submerge alleys
when at last it reaches the valley

only then is it apparent
of this mischievous talent
as it passes, lights sizzle out
babies cry as they glimpse the lout

the people feel its icy touch
so heat is what they clutch
the clock ticks as the presence prevails
then the people grow tired of stories

yet as the moon begins to fall
and the birds start to chirp their call
the sun rises; an invitation to dawn
and then the presence is gone