Shadows of Dawn, Like Smoke

Leaning against a wall
Washed of earth-like gold, a
Wall fading into the
Shadows of dawn, like smoke;
Shadows bending beneath
The first faint beams of the sun,
Beginning, then blinding.
Canvas rucksack beside him,
One strap frayed,
He leans against the wall,
Pulling his coat closer
Against the cold.

Half in hope, the other in fear,
His heart watches as
She fills her own bag,
Her life with him.
She opens a quiet door.
Peers down a hallway washed in darkness,
Glances at a closed door,
Descends silently each step,
Turns a knob,
Steps out into the night
Almost gone, the
Day preparing to begin the new.

He waits, listening for
Her step, the crunch of gravel under
Her foot; the flash of
Her eyes; the sweet song from
Her lips.
He waits,
Leaning against a wall
Washed of earth-like gold,
Rucksack beside him.
He waits as the new-day sun
Rises,
Imagining the wind.