The Sixth Hour

Have you ever seen night,
Where the Sun should be?
Like the depths were the sky
And the day a spirit fleeing
Beyond reach - 
Leaving only mystery
Shivering in our bones
With the unknowing cold.
There are no stars
That make a beautiful dark -
It is an unnatural pause
That roots our feet in question -
Not just fear
Of the sudden shadows over the hills
And under our skin.
We glance at each other,
Beneath our headscarves -
And we all feel it -
A fall,
Soul-deep sleeping,
A dawn. 

LJ Ireton 2024