behold the bright gallant

the moon is dancing in the  village square

with happy girls whose eyes reflect the stars

while older folk bite down on their cigars

and watch the smoke rise through the calm night air

this is the time of change the turning year

moving fast downward but no harsh thing mars

the splendid moment and there are no bars

to joy this night the morning's time for fear

we do not know what sorrows still to come

will burn themselves into each youthful heart

no terrors lurk but love's rewards are won

though elder smiles conceal the truths of glum

experience they let the young ones dart

into dark corners soon enough comes sun