VALLEY DAWN

Dawn comes slowly to the valley floor
stars lose themselves behind a silver sky
banners of flame-glow rise from gray and soar
like windspun fantasies that never die.

Shadows grow long where rocky canyon rims
lean high above the waking valley land
the sun gleams pale, then brightens, while glad hymns
pour from feathered throats at day's command.

Mist runs into the arms of daybreak's sun
the breezes walk on tiptoe over grass
while flowers nod and open one by one
dawn slowly brings this miracle to pass!