The Sun is Not Rising

© 2026 Nathan Long

The sun is not rising,
but the dark sky brightens
and behind the black treeline
the clouds glow like embers

The branches are still,
and the crickets sing steadily,
as if holding one note

High up, beyond hearing,
wisps of vapor are blown past
the higher, heavier clouds

and they all burn

the pink fire turns orange, then yellow
spreading out from the horizon
to engulf the sky

The sun is not rising,
but shines steadily on a turning world
and the edges of its reach
are never-ending waves
of sunrise and sunset

The sun is not rising,

but silently and swiftly
we ride into its light