16 Early in the Morning
Early in the morning, long after the moon has gone down, before the sun has risen: it is very dark walking the path, with the stars overhead shining through the coconut fronds, or else the bowl of the sky revealing the constellations. Fireflies, like wandering stars, continue their play. From the other side of the paddy the stream is heard making its way, bringing life to the fields in all innocence. It is Sunday and the houses are quiet, only a solitary light in the jungle opposite illumines a few trees and bushes.
A couple appear carrying a torch to guide them on their way, their voices talking, laughing, are engulfed by the silence, and soon they too are gone. Cats cry at one another deciding priority in the night.
The light of dawn appears over the jungle top bringing pastel pink and blue in its wake, quietly it comes as though not wishing to disturb the world as it slumbers. The birds are slow to wake this morning, and the mist hangs languidly around the tree tops. Heavy clouds roll slowly by beyond the mountains. An hour of silence and beauty, a grace, a gift from God.
if you’ve ever been close to a squirrel
close enough to see his heart beat
to watch him eat
super fast and alert
you’ll know the squirrel
is living his life
at double quick time
even with his friends about
he’s attentive and awake
move and he’ll take
to the tree and to safety
until he’s sure
once more
he’ll keep watch from a height