A Prayer At Dawn Poem by Terry Dawson

When light has not yet paled the east
I run for exercise
Down moonlit bushveld path I go
Beneath still stary skies
Where dwell the creatures of the night
(Darkness their realm of choice)
They fill the air with many sounds
Till sunrise still their voice

The exertion invigorates
My body and my mind,
Fresh, cold air invades my lungs
As foot-falls rhythm find
Then through the cool dew-scented air
Comes rush of wind on wings
As buzzard launches into flight;
My heart with gladness sings.

Dawn's rays fall first on that high bird
While beneath in dim light
A treasureland of wilderness
Is slow revealed to sight.
As rising sun transforms the world
Soft colours morph out of grey
A spirit stirs within my heart
And I am moved to pray -

Fill all my darkness with warm light;
Illuminate the way
Along the daunting path I choose
To journey this new day.
Sure-footed, steady stride be mine
On my self-chosen trail,
Let courage conquer quailing heart
That points the way to fail.