Sunrise

It's dark outside.

The stars and the moon drift quietly, blanketed by a thin spread of clouds and mist.

The air is quiet, wind softly blowing between the trees, mocking the sound of rain.

I walked two miles, starting from my driveway.

I can see my breath, it fogs my glasses.

Several cars passed by me, but none of them stopped.

There is no one around,

just the way I like it.

I can feel the loose dirt and old gravel under my sandals. If I slip, it'll surely hurt.

The thorny desert bushes don't cause much trouble for me.

Here, up over the hill away from the neighborhood lights in rural California.



This is my sacred place. I sit here, on this boulder up the hill. I stare at the sky and in my solitude I understand myself and my world.



Here, I cry for my sorrows.

Here, I laugh and smile for my happiness and my love.

Here, I remove the mask I wear on my heart.

Here, I set myself free for only the stars to see.

And when I'm done, I carry on - I dry my tears and stifle my smile.



I walk down the hill and back to my home, where I watch the sun rise. The sun rise gives me the strength to put the mask back on, so I can restrain myself.



And after the bird has been caged again, it's song catches no one's attention.

Between the moon, the stars, the sunrise, and me,




My song is a secret that my heart shall forever keep.