Dark Flower

Oh, no, do not look too long
at the sky before dawn.
Do you wish to see the dark flower
spread its petals beyond the infinities
where even stars lose their memories of light?
The winter-naked tree may stretch stiff arms
expectantly toward heaven but its roots
clutch the frozen earth with knotted strength.
Do not stare your heart out, Oh, my dear.
Now is the time to let dreams lie softly,
to moan and turn and hide your head
as light reaches through the window for your eyelids
and reality comes in to say Good Morning.