The Dawn Walks – Catherine Mariner

August 22, 2026

Where the dawn traverses,
washes over the slanting downs,
fields tumble, like their taraxacum heads,
towards the coast. Sweet rush
of the coming morning blesses
valleys with misty salve,
and I revel in the solace of your eye.

At once, I am the atoning walker,
and you, appearing almost infinite
as the summering heart presumes itself,
take up the divine command
of baring the soul in faith of love.

Love for the plenitude of your kindness,
love in wilder climates, love for the world entire,
breaking ground in penitent wonder,
where forgiveness may follow
with hesitant steps. There I walk,
and the day is the dawn.