FROM DARKNESS TO DAWN         

The glow of starlight casts ethereal shadows

on the snow-kissed ground.

The full moon above brings tranquility to a

world hidden in shadows; a landscape, beautiful

in its stark silence, waiting to awaken from its slumber;

a world shielding the woman from the dangers concealed

in the darkness.

In a circle of light, she sits

watching,

wondering,

waiting for the dawn,

searching for peace elusive as the chill permeating

the depths of the night. Fearful of the dawn,

yet clinging to the hope of the dawn’s promise for tomorrow,

unable to let dreams die, unable to let go of trust betrayed,

seeking the truth, a truth lost in the blackness enveloping her.

The hours pass, the darkness deepens,

clasping her in its embrace, reluctant to let her go;

yet over the horizon,

the first hints of dawn give her strength

to break free of the questions, the doubts,

the torment trapping her in the shadows.

Creatures emerge from hiding,

breaking the peaceful silence,

bringing strength and hope

to the woman waiting quietly,

feeling peace sweep over her,

believing, for the first time,

that darkness can be overcome

In the radiance of the dawn.

-- Darlene A. Palenik