Sunrise

SUNRISE I rise from bed and open the window. Stars of Cassiopeia and small aurora are still visible; Venus hangs like a lantern in the eastern firmament - Goddess unmistakably beautiful and strong, Dominating the dark velvet void. Dawn is a yet unborn child following the black drama of night. In the uncertain hour before dawn, In the twilight zone of heaven’s half-light, Dawn seems fragile and may never succeed - still A young half-awake day is turning back the dim Dark cloths of night in a timorous start, While I light my flickering candle. Candle shadows on my wall : myth and reality changing constantly. The pressing sun rounds the curve of the horizon : The vault turns to dappled lighter shades of pastel. I finish shaving and wash away the soap and the sleep. Steady air not yet heated and land is black, Silhouetted under the fragile heliotrope veil, Ever-changing, embroidered With golden and silver light across the azure blue. As I put on coat and step out into the day The sun peers cautiously at me over the whitewashed wall. Out of the blue, dabs of sun tip the mountain peaks and spread down. The warmth starts to drive away small clouds Lit underneath with their glowing gold edges. The empty empyrean floods with gold, becomes alive and certain. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ( Date of posting 24 April 2011 ) For Chris D. Aechtner's Contest "Your Recent Precious Gem"