Shadowless Night

Without prelude - I awaken
in that time before roosters
eyelids snapping open - without blinking
waiting
hunting the translucent dark for cause
in perfect stillness
the night pauses
like a blind man knowing he is not alone
I feel a presence close
then a single sound - a hollow earthen echo
lifts me smooth and silent
shadowless night at my window
granite-still I stare
and slow as the thought of trees I see
looming an arm's length away
a Blacktail doe,
with roses on her breath.


K.A.WOOD
2004