The Early Hours

 

Dawn unfolds on a town's older region

Sunrise crawls across cobblestone streets

Autumn break speaks its opening words

An urban dream world prepares to awake

 

I walk these archaic avenues alone

Following the lead of my oversized shadow

Astringent cold awakens my face

While a glinting sun slowly heats my back

 

Past gothic fencing and cream-colored brick

Concrete bridges veined with vines

Damp shades of wood stare from the park

A fountain shines at the heart of the square

 

The muffled click of claws against curb

From blackbirds prodding the lower scenery

Shares the air with benevolent fumes

Of bakery bread and chimney smoke

 

Porch lights fading in soft succession

The radius of light extends its reach

Reflections expanding in dark shop windows

The first opened door soon taints the silence

 

In time the usual routines exude

An old piece of map slowly stirs to life

Another new chapter from torn, yellowed pages

Is resurrected into tangible shapes