A golden sun arises from its sleep,
auburn as it reaches---
ground to air,
with flaming fingers
stretching to the sky.

It smiles softly
as it bleeds
so gently o'er the fresh horizon,
giving off the faintest scent
of life
and new beginnings.

I stretch back against a pine
rocky, stiff, yet not unpleasant,
feeling frostborne bark
against my wings.

The sky seems
just one word away,

as slowly, autumn leaves
burst into life
with sparks of dawning sighs
and quiet, solemn prayers.

I am at peace.
I am at home.
I am where I most long to be.

I am alive,
and therefore:
I am free.