Sunset slinks in slowly,
a slanting of the light;
subtle shadows lengthen,
as day succumbs to night.
Dark stole a march upon me,
its weary, witless foe;
This crumbling heart and body
were conquered long ago.
I am not what I was,
nor will I be again;
formidable opponent,
most generous of friends.
Like shadows are at best
Poor veil cast by the real,
The virtues I possess
are rust of former steel.
But when I am with you,
I dare to feel remade-
As if new beauties rise
when elder glories fade.
I feel I am becoming,
though what, I could not say;
Only be beside me
through the dying of the day.
