go west, young man

i slip out early
sleeping heads still
slotting the days’ memories
in place as 
i head west

crowding condos
and sky-high night lights
give way to
stands of forest
and the rising ledge
of the escarpment
spectrum of colours
hidden under the
cover of darkness

the lesser light
in full view before me
dimples and dapples coloured 
by shades of grey
surrounded by the deep unknowing
blanket of midnight black 
i turn my head
glance in my side view mirror
discover horizon 
erupting the light 
pushing up with its radiant oranges
like the slow lifting of blinds
as the emptiness of the night sky
gives way to gradients of
bold blue hues 

as if between two worlds
i am chasing after the night

i pull into my destination
the restaurant empty save
one lone waiter setting cutlery
i look up and see

no matter how fast or far i go
the day wins

Written by Scott Moore
Illustrated by Landon Wideman

Inspired November 2024