Night Lantern

The day was clear, bright
and cold, bracing as nature
lovers would have it, so
when the winter sun set in the
horizon, dusk was hesitant
to intrude, politely entering
somewhat later than its usual
gallop on an overcast day.
As the gathering dark timidly
sent its message warning that
night waited impatiently
stage left, the most celebrated
presence of the night sky
made entrance, a glorious, cool
illumination defying gloom.