NightWatchman

 

NightWatchman stands in the inky darkness feeling the mist stir in the nocturnal hours. Owl speaks. Fox listens. Cool crisp zephyr breaths in the stars and exhales the crescent moon. Deer silently step between frosty blades of grass, ears at full attention. Nightglow barely outlines trees on the horizon. Wingtips create currents as they silently ready for roosting. Other birds begin to awaken with small talk at the impending dawn.

NightWatchman feels changes coming. Pin points of lights flicker on, one at a time. A rooster crows deep in the valley. Ready for the morning chores, cows stomp impatiently at dairymen with cold fingers. Headlights trace the shapes of invisible strips of blacktop. Fog settles low in nooks and crannies.

More birds join the din. Tree silhouettes gain perspective. Lights in houses continue to turn on. Mothers make their first cup of coffee and enjoy a moment of quietude. Children snuggle deeper knowing the time is approaching. Bacon, eggs, toast – cereal poured. Coffee, coffee, coffee.  Blacks and blues turn to neutrals and greys. Vapors eddy. Temperatures drop. Shapes of houses slowly appear around window lights. Colors emerge.

Paint Boy brings out his palette and dips into atmospheric pigments igniting the heavens. Cerulean, alizarin crimson, amber, amethyst, cotton candy, apricot, pumpkin all so delicious to the eye.  Pilots outline dayspring colors with silver and gold. Sky dramas give birth to colors in the land. Headlights no longer cast shadows. The Watchman retreats into the shadows to return at twilight once more.