It is morning, before the dawn,
and my heart goes out
to you Lord.
The light has yet to arrive
from that orb
You have ordained
to rise each day
and light our pretty planet.
I light a few candles
for a softening glow
across the pages
as the ink does its work
carrying what is inside, out.
My heart, you are softened today.
The quiet is welcome
Outside and in.
Yearnings, for this moment
are held at bay
And I gaze inside
at a horizon of peace.
I have seen the moon
at its full
bright through
the silhouetted branches
and leaves of the evening trees
And this has been pleasant
to my soul.
I have seen the herons
Both in the sparkling light
of morning
at the bay
as the gulls laughed
And in the evening rosy glow
of setting day.
They stand erect so patiently
legs dipped in liquid light
awaiting a meal
to come swimming by
as it will
When their head, and that curve of neck
dashes forward
faster than perception
to gather in the harvest.
Lord give me that patience
give me that surety
grant me that life
standing in liquid light
certain of my daily bread
While the sun makes its rounds
from morning till night.
ttorus 9/30/07 Stony Brook