Before Daybreak

 A frightened deer steps through the charred Sequoias,

A frightened boy stands on the churning Merced.

Shooting stars against a faint glow.

Shooting glances at every shadow.

Shivering body. Simmering mind. Overwhelming dark.

Cold. Numb.

Motionless. Emotionless.

Then, a pinprick of light. Insight!

"Those who love us miss us".

One step. The boy stirs.

Another step. The deer scampers.

Behold! The sun rises.

Appa

With you

I learned that Man must shape his world

To keep the maddening chaos at bay.

To smile through the most relentless adversity,

for, Man will always find a way.

What a wonderful world you provided,

Guiding me and pointing out its wonder!

Now I must set about on this journey, smiling.

Of all the different worlds it will shape up to be, I'll remember

My world is fundamentally poorer

Without you.