When Shadows are Long

Day ends

eventually

Night will come

But for now,

light is still here

we still have

time

minutes

hours

days

weeks

years

Embrace this noisy, chaotic

dance of life

Embrace footsteps racing through rooms

murmurs of dreams given voice

cookies formed with coffee fingers

rain pounding on tin roofs

skinned knees, stomach aches, long nights

tears over math

Embrace it all

Shadows lengthen even as the day is bright

even as there is still time

Dear children

Dear mothers and fathers

Dear brothers and sisters

Cherish light while it is yet day

Invest in the little faces meeting your eyes

Listen to stories

Help with homework

Pray

Yes, shadows lengthen

Yes, night falls

Yes, day ends

kids will grow

girls will graduate

friends will leave

change will come

But as long as there are shadows

there is light