<P> Some versions, instead of ending cold as most do, segue briefly into the symphonic second half ("Late Lament") and, in fact, run for 4: 33 (but are also listed on the label as 3: 06). For the second edited version (with the song's writing credited to Hayward), the early parts of the song were kept intact, ending early at 4: 26 . Most single versions were backed with a non-LP B - side, "Cities". </P> <P> Although it only had limited commercial success on its first release, the song has since garnered much critical acclaim, ranking number 36 in BBC Radio 2's "Sold on Song Top 100" list . </P> <P> The spoken - word poem heard near the six - minute mark of the album version of the song is called "Late Lament". Drummer Graeme Edge wrote the verses, which were recited by keyboardist Mike Pinder . On Days of Future Passed, the poem's last five lines bracket the album and also appear at the end of track 1 ("The Day Begins"). </P> <P> While it has been commonly known as part of "Nights in White Satin" with no separate credit on the original LP, "Late Lament" was given its own listing on the two - LP compilation This Is The Moody Blues in 1974 and again in 1987 (without its parent song) on another compilation, Prelude . Both compilations feature the track in a slightly different form than on Days of Future Passed, giving both spoken and instrumental tracks an echo effect . The orchestral ending is kept intact, but recording engineers have completely edited out the gong (struck by Mike Pinder) that closes the track on the original LP . </P>

The poem at the end of nights in white satin