Advent Day Eight: Acquainted with the Night

Nevertheless the moon
Heightens the secret
Sleep long withheld
Dry for a rain of dreams–
Flies straight above me
White, hot-hearted,
Among the streaming
Firmament armies.
A monk of flames
Stands shaking in my heart
Where sleep might lie.

Where you all night have lain.
And now hang dreaming,
Faded acute, fade full,
Calling your cloudy fame,
A keen high nightlong cry.
Rises my silent, truning
Heart. Heart where my love
Might lie, try toward my love
Flying, let go all need,
Brighten and burn—
Rain down, raging for life
Light my love’s dream tonight.
-Muriel Rukeyser (1913-1980), from Acquainted with the Night: Insomnia Poems