Sunrise, Sunset

Sometimes I play a game when I read poetry, trying to decide how much of the poem is about the poet’s own life. Of course, poetry is a form that often carries the feelings, if not the facts, of its creator’s life. I will save you the conjecture here, though. This poem is a description of the events of one recent morning in my life.

Sunrise, Sunset

Awake at 5 am –

Early still, but the big dog needs assurance,

So I find my slippers and go to him.

This sweet soul is new to our home.

Past betrayal still seems to haunt him and

Tremors of fear rise often in his dreams

Calmed by my attention, he soon settles

But I am no longer sleepy.

I shower, dress, pour coffee and wait for sunrise.

It is early spring. The air is clear and cold

As the sun etches a line against the eastern hills.

Its warmth will soon heat the day to comfort.

When my partner wakes

We take the dogs for a walk.

Though the sun still hides behind the hills

Its light already fills the valley.

When it finally appears above the ridge

I nod to it, thankful for the light

And for the gifts of the day.

Later, when it sets behind the western hills,

I will be there to kiss it good night.