She wakes each morning In those tender moments foregoing the sun's ascension, When the low, humble glow of dawn light Trickles into the world. The sapling and the sprawling oak; The weathered, white-washed fence; Widespread weeds and unruly blades of gra**: They are all unspoiled, newly-born of the darkness. Beseeched and implored from the night's womb By the distant screech of a sole crow, The rousing and squawking of young squirrels in nests. The world is wide-eyed and guileless, Waiting patiently for the tarnish of time-pa**. She too remains free from stain and soil. The day has yet to recognize its own nakedness And hide in shame under a ponderous, sober cloak. She imagines that it is always morning on the earth inherited by the righteous.