VARIATION ON A THEME well after midnight the moon wakes me again her shining startles like a shout I try reading too much work eyes won't focus I get up instead pull the curtains back what's all the fuss? moving west but still high thin clouds around her lit by her radiance and glowing like a brilliant gown spread open to show a hidden glory leafless trees below a world of sticks to look down on you and I stare at one another one destiny we share to be here at this time my frail life span reminds you that time is quick too not just slow