A DAWNING

The road shines like it's paved with silver
bathed in the predawn's full moon light
and resounds with my staff's impact
while I walk it in the fading night.

I pause a bit to catch my breath
for the journey has been long.
The sky starts to pale in the southeast
as the whippoorwill completes his song.

The woods beside this county road
turn from black to grey and green
and soon the stars begin to fade.
Before long they'll shine but be unseen.

I pay all of this little mind
for my thoughts are filled with ghosts
who live only in my memory.
Their numbers have become a host.

My breath slows and chest grows tight.
eyes water and a few tears roll
down my grizzled old man cheek.
The decades have taken their toll.

I wipe my face with jacket's sleeve
then snort to clear myself of grief
looking to where the road curves left.
Dawn has slipped in like a thief.

With daylight the ghosts disperse
replaced by thoughts of those still here.
Perhaps one day I'll be the ghost
haunting those whom I hold dear.