When I Break at Dawn

I wrote this poem last summer and had my students choreograph a dance to it.

When I Break at Dawn

I sleep among the same stars.

I am the spotted moon-

Crescent shape, my soul doth quake

Deep in midnight’s cocoon.

I dream about the same dreams.

I am the castle in the sky,

But not the fairy-tales of all is well…

I ask my Father, “Why?”

I rise with the same Son,

And yet I break at dawn-

An insecurity of reality-

A hope of change moved on.

I dance to the same songs-

I am the twine-flexed child

Of fantasy. I cannot be

A dancer in this shroud.

I pray to the same God,

Though I am spotted, flexed, and twined.

And tomorrow morning when I break –

I’ll break with all mankind.

Shawn R. Jones