The Dark Night of the Soul

When the games have been played, 

When the masks have been snatched, 

When the musician has played the last chord, 

When the last drink has been served, 

When the fountain has dried up, 

When the faces no longer glow with youthful naivety, 

When the friends no longer visit, 

When the crowds no longer cheer, 

When the jokes are no longer funny, 

When the clouds no longer smile,

When the seeds no longer grow, 

When the Sun sets behind the distant hills,

Then begins the dark night of the soul.