Naomi Shihab Nye: "Words When We Need Them"

                                             Before this early moment,
                                             another, ripe with rain,
                                             the scent of its own full shape.

                                             Each day the rooster
                                             we have never seen
                                             raises the first greeting
                                             and darkness which holds us
                                             in its loose pocket all night
                                             sets us down.

                                             Now we walk,
                                             waking up rooms,
                                             switching on lights.

                                             Into the breath,
                                             wordless but ripe
                                             with all possible words,
                                             messages not yet gathered
                                             or sent.

                                             Morning looms,
                                             more friend than
                                             the best friend.

                                             We could still say.

"Words When We Need Them" by Naomi Shihab Nye, from Red Suitcase: Poems. © BOA Editions Ltd., 1994.  

Art credit: Untitled image by unknown photographer (originally black and white).