Ritual

deep in the dark they are gathered
around the flickering light
for now is the time of watching
in the depths of the quiet night

slowly the shapes they gathered
and across their faces they flew
now the ears they were listening
to the song of the old, and the new

quietly I stalk up behind them
and yell, with my face turning red
pick up your clothes – turn off the tv
it’s a school night, and it’s time for bed!

© C Woolley 9/5/2013