the sunrise

no one saw the sunrise but i,
shivering in the sand.
the soft lapping of the waves, hypnotic,
lulling me until a coal popped in the campfire
sending red sparks in every direction.
the first blush of sunlight
hinted on the distant horizon,
like color glowing on a new bride's cheek.
then, gradually spreading across the sky,
it set fire to the clouds trying to escape.
soon the heat reaches me
and everyone else stirs awake.
too late - no one saw the sunrise but i.


5/10/1991