August Sunrise in Phoenix (Photo credit: David Chorlton)
The clouds burn for love, for justice
and redemption; they boil with unearthly light
come to Earth to announce
a beginning. There’s birdsong even
in the threadbare branches
growing free from the shreds of darkness
by which the night signs off
from its mysterious duties
and rides away into the mountains
while the sleeping city
rubs its eyes in wonder. No neutrality
allowed today; sides
are waiting to be taken Here are the flames
that radiate from hearts
the saints hold in their hands, kisses
soaring across the sky, and
the sun’s Hallelujah in all
its baroque glory behind the chariot
bearing hope to its place in another day.
