Walking Companion

(from Brainstorms)

She surprised me on my walk tonight
for she did not show her face
until I was heading home.

I had resigned myself
to gazing at the stars.
What was it that compelled
me to cross the street
at precisely the moment,
so that when I turned to look
over my left shoulder,
I saw her?

Having just risen over the treetops
she traced the outline
of branches
barely adorned
by blossoms and young leaves.
I caught my breath and watched
her amber glow
rising in a nearly perfect orb,
overwhelmed with awe
that I was blessed
to witness this moment.

I stood anchored to the earth,
even as my soul
seemed to drift
slightly out of my body.
Heavy and light at the same time.

She followed me home,
sometimes hiding
behind the houses and trees
that lined the side of the road.
But I took comfort
knowing that she was beside me,
a faithful companion in the darkness.