The Lark At Dawn

The lark appears at dawn as day’s messenger; The timid bird sips dewdrops of hope at daybreak, Then sends forth promise from Heaven’s Gate. Travelling lightly from Heaven to Earth; Inspiring brightly from Earth to Heaven. The grand master of 13 sacred Tao songs, Hymns of praise to accompany the temple’s gongs. A cry in the wilderness of winter’s shortened day, A hymn of certainty amid summer’s lengthened stay. To sing to the rhythms of tulips and daffodils, Until autumn’s chill arrives their beauty to slay. By night, the lark is humbled and inward-drawn, Awaiting with patience the coming of the dawn. Once again, the timid bird breathes in air to rejoice, God’s creature sings its praise with a beautiful voice.