Glow

The morning’s first glow
Smothered the horizon,
Rays pouring over the clouds
Spilling into the ocean,
Crawling across the sea
Calling for me
And I took it.

Rays and all
I stuffed the light
In my pocket
Next to the moon, stars
Stolen from beneath their black quilt
Points askew
Stabbing through the worn seams
Of my jeans.

Marvelous melodies
Symphonies beyond comprehension
Nature’s chords
Suspended in nothingness
Wisely woven within
The willows
Quick within the roots
That nourish my soul.

---

Khatsini Simani, age 13
Seattle, Washington
Lakeside School
Teacher: Alicia Hokanson (2003 ROW Teacher of the Year)