Kerry's Wednesday Challenge ~ Nocturne

A Nocturne is usually a musical composition that is inspired by, or evocative of, the night. Nocturnes are generally thought of as being tranquil, often expressive and lyrical, and sometimes rather gloomy, but in practice pieces with the name nocturne have conveyed a variety of moods. In this clip, Yundi Li plays Chopin, who is an acclaimed composer of Nocturnes.












 In addition to the musical reference, Nocturns also refers to a Christian form of Night Prayer. On Sundays and feast-days there are three Nocturns, as in the Benedictine Office. Each Nocturn comprises three psalms, and the first Nocturn of Sunday has three groups of four psalms each. Many artists from diverse schools have translated the Nocturne into paintings.

Nocturne in Grey and Gold ~ James McNeill Whistler (1876)
Public Domain

My challenge today is for us to write a poetic Nocturne. Though no such guidelines exist, I will set out a few suggestions:

• The poem should be lyrical rather than narrative.
• The primary intention should be to create mood and atmosphere, with the focus on what is felt rather than understood.
• There must be a clear link to the night hours in a setting of your choice. In addition, content may focus on a religious theme, if preferred. 
• You may choose any style which seems appropriate, either form or free verse.

Nocturne, Railway Crossing, Chicago
Childe Hassam (1892/3)
Public Domain

Please write something new for this challenge. Our linkys do not expire, so feel free to post later in the week. If a poem written prior to this challenge (which kind of fits the description) is linked up, it will receive little feedback from me.