When The Lights Go Down Tonight. Poem by Charles M Moore

Ships are sailing back to harbour
breezes blowing them back home
village wives sit by the quayside
with a prayer for the unknown
silence falls like angels kisses
on the eyes that look for sight
of the boats that may be missing
when the lights go down tonight

On a hillside near the city
winter storms are closing in
snow comes down like falling starlight
as the farmers brace the wind
seeking out the strays and fallen
with a lantern by their side
hoping all is not forsaken
when the lights go down tonight

Mothers sitting by the fireside
children tucked up in their beds
lovers looking over photos
and the letters that were sent
in this world are many dangers
for the wrong and for the right
but one wish remains unspoken
when the lights go down tonight.