First light offers its quiet
consolation to the wakeful.

In the dark you discover
day already begun.

The black branches
of the piñon tree
hold night like water.
Moonlight lingers

on rock and sand, slow
to let the earth resume
its dusty colors
after the silver hours.  

The last star gives
way, submitting
to the greater light.

Day does not break,
but touches each surface
with slow and secret
blue, the color of blessing.