On Golden Flight

Photo by Sherry Lynn of Louisiana Dreams & Beyond Photography

Aim toward the light, my thoughts take flight;
   The brand new year and turn of day
            Sent fears away.
Yet cares weighed down and pulled toward ground
   My loosened spirit doused in gray—
            The world screamed "Nay!"

My heart in shock saw birds in flock
   That took to flight with steady ease
            With wing on breeze.
Hope stirred anew and e'er I knew
   The golden light beneath my knees
            Raised me o'er trees.

- D. Benning