It was sheer bliss
Wide-eyed till daybreak
Outside of home
The guard stayed awake

Around the building
He marched and sat
Drank his black tea
On a prayer mat

He told anecdotes
Of ancient kings
Fantastical worlds
Enthralling things

We gaped in wonder
And listened in care
Arabian jasmine
Swirled in the air

The cockerel crowed
We yawned and whined
We stayed up late
Until sunshine

The old guard smiled
And sent us away
With a cheering vow
For another day

*****

*Based on a Poets Pub prompt.