I suppose I was a child of darkness
moving through the night
creeping through the village
keeping out of sight.
I suppose it was an open secret
just where I'd been
but for the sake of propriety
best if I left unseen.
Sometimes I'd be running
after having crept
from our warm bed
to find we'd overslept.
Had to be from the village
before it was awake,
couldn't be seen leaving
for good form's sake.
I'd sign in at the Guardroom
and off swiftly to my pit
for much needed sleep
if only just a little bit.
Up later in the morning
to earn what I was paid,
marching with the Troop
to morning works parade;
counting hours to when,
all things being right,
I'd go to see my love again
creeping quietly through the night.
