In Dhaka days are growing shorter as we approach the end of the year. A favorite time of year for many reasons, not least of which is the chance to be awake and outdoors at sunrise.

Bird song

Aching, light longing,
rising from comfortable sleep –
tiptoe gladly to whispers of sunrise,

glowing moon behind grey,
wingspans fly silhouette –
shrieking colonies settle in treetops.

Roadside darkness is cast
huddled, homeless lies prone –
grey, cold witches cling soundless to night.

Clouds glow pink, sky grows light
golden moon takes her bow –
graceful plunge splashing distant horizon.

Unseen birds call out joy,
Nature’s midwifery –
as the sky pales in pain and in joy.

Hold your breath, raise your eyes –
cymbals crash silent skies
at the moment a new day is born.

Dhaka 2014