when the night comes down

when the night comes down

in my small town
when the night comes down
and the sky is filled with stars
old men meet on empty streets
and count the passing cars

in my small town
when the night comes down
and the houses fill with light
young girls cry their sweet good byes
to the boys who chase the night

in my small town
when the night comes down
and the evening shades are drawn
prayers are said beside the bed
and all our fears are gone

and late at night
when my sleep is light
and the child in me is free
in my small town
when the night comes down
is where i dream to be

(Originally published in Troubadour: The Best of Rhyme 2001)