The Animals

The sun would never rise at all

if not for animals who conjure

morning and call it down

to warm them where they lie,

having slept the night in places

dark and cold. The blue jay

summons light to warm

the concrete bath. We owe

the cat our gratitude

for bringing rays of strong

and dusty light into the house,

especially to the shoulders

of the sofa by the window

where she sleeps.

And if not for horses, cows

and elephants the sun

would never reach the fields.

The lizard owns the light

that finds his rock

and dolphins play to bring it

on the waves. So I thank

dog for all the light I see.

Kyle Kimberlin

11.29.2009