Photo by Ingrid Mathews


We talked of nighthawks
You asked if I remembered them on
Summer nights
We walked the darkened streets where
City lights were not enough
To make us feel secure
The gloom was swirling with the shadows
Of discomfiture
And it was late
I had my little dog to see me home
But you set out alone
The final stretch
As I had more to cross  on my return
And hurried where I felt the chill
Of unfamiliar at my back
My neck felt prickly at times
With pins and needles of the
Neighborhood unknown
But as our home grew near
We settled in to being with the night
And all the shadows disappeared
Except a sudden
Silent flight
That swept across our path
I thought I felt the whisper of a wing
So close this thing
A stealthy pass
Of one who owns the dark
No fear or trepidation did I have
No bark from little dog
Protecting me
Just awe
To be with such distinguished company
And feeling quite escorted
Slowed our steps
And drifted happily
Our thoughts unwound in
Summer nighthawk reverie



Sara Mathews     October 2015