We threw our glittering hopes into the sky,

Knowing that the hidden sun would catch them

To paint the clouds with vibrant rays.

We spread our darkest fears across the blue surround

Knowing that the mountains would keep them

To drape the ridges with mournful smoke.

Some removed masks that covered their faces.

Some donned masks to become who they were.

Everyone could be seen.

Soon we return to our different lands.

Most will live in some sort of shadow,

Careful of how to appear.

In our unguarded moments we look at the sky,

Yearning to glimpse a rainbow.

I held my darkness with tender care,

Warmed it in the cradle of my heart,

Gazed at it with kind regard.

What do you want of me?

Would anything I can do,

Anything I can ask of others,

Ease your suffering?

I do not ask you to leave,

Heap no blame upon you,

Force no unasked change.

You are the most faithful guest.

What will make you happy?

The sky has not yet lightened.

I grasp an hour before it passes,

Lay it down on the kitchen table,

And slice into the middle of its hurried time.

Inside I find a kernel,

A hardened instant that I place in my pocket.

Later in the rushing day, I hold it within my palm.

Breathing in the coolness of that secret pause

Breathing out the heated scurry of demand.

Thus reminded to be grateful, I open my hand.

The faint strike of a bowl resounds.