Sunrise Sonnet

The sky's east rim lightening with the haste

Of sudden kisses unexpected fair

Sun always rising to lay blesséd waste

To shadows grim and bleak and bare

Stars keep company for what time they may

Still guarding, still sweet, ever silver bright

Hiding only in that full light named 'day'

Champions of hope through the night.

We who mark the passage of hours and years

Count each one by shining and by the dance

Of celestial bodies so wondrous clear

Forever favored with this chance.

And should they pass and fall from heav'n above

Still I, steadfast, will pledge you all my love.