A Bad Mood

                                                      (In Blank Verse)

Out under the quiet stars,

Where no silv’ry moon is shining,

I gaze around me and see naught

But the darkened veil of night.

Discordant sounds from the croaking toad

Breaks the doleful stillness,

And compares favorably with the

Restless workings of my heart.

But away! away with gloomy fancies!

Can I afford to nourish these veins

Of discontent and ill foreboding?

No! give me peace of mind.

There is ever a charm in philanthropy,

     Too little by far is exposed.

Ye men with imaginary tribulations,

Like I, away with them all.

Aug. 14, ‘90