The Hour before Dawn

There is a saying that tells us

That we often appreciate what

We no longer have –

In the hour before dawn

The beloved whispers to you

To appreciate your troubles,

Your afflictions, your burdens –

What strange teaching is this?

“Get real” you say, and go back

To your earnest agitations.

When we embrace only the daylight

And reject the darkness

We are always running from our shadow.