Let lie that long and troubled dream

Of senseless persecution.

Disavow the slights of night

Dark’s savage count of coup.

Stories told in twilight

Taunt the strongest stars to wane

With impalpable temptations

Quelling cosmic dissonance.

Spurn all resolve to be extinguished.

Instead, claim the promise of the waxing moon

And you, too, shall rise candescent

O, Sibling of the Sun.

*”Rising” was inspired by my stargazing at Joshua Tree National Park and Whiskeytown National Recreation Area in California.