Wakeful night

Wakeful Night

The darkness keeps the man's eyes clear
as the forest people tiptoe on the path
and shadows of the past are a burden
his heartbeat guided by imagination

The sunrise chases away the night's dragon
the mossy green dress shines
from the dew-fresh blonde collar
waiting for the searching pathfinder

The man's body still shudders
before the sun glistens on a wreath of trees
slowly, the light slides over the path now
where the green colors show their brilliance

The forest gathers for a new day
memories and history in solemn silence
signs of aging in the leaning tree species
some have already played their final act

A palm strokes gently
the warming and soft moss lining
the forest holds its breath in reverence
the man's breath exhaled in trembling grin

With his back against the tree's wall
his eyes sting after the night's watch
the sun's grip on the sword's edge
every sound tearing like clamorous noise

Human voices reach the man
he knows it's time for bread
he rises and wipes his forehead
but his hand is steady on the hilt

The village has awoken to humble conditions
children's ring dance and the grunt of sleep
the women comb their long hair
- the day has begun.

Berit Haga
2003 / 2023