Night Bird by Val Pedrick

Sweet notes caressed

Awakening senses

From deep damask’d sleep

 

Staccato alarm call strummed

Jarring nerves

Snagged silky night air

 

Pain padded stealthily

Shadowing thought

With black velvet wing

 

Distant birdsong lulled

Lilting awareness

Smoothed ragged-edged fear

 

Full-throated chorus

Arousing hope welcomed

A gold- lamé dawn