Wake, O Light

You are awake, O light
in this thick midnight
over endless field,
over dunes of sand
where the shine of gold
still flickers faint.
People sleep, bone-tired.
 
Then the sea roars cold,
silver torch on its head.
Sky beyond holds breath of age—
yet you stay awake,
O light, in this darkness!
 
Still you keep awake,
yes, hope still stays.
The line of horizon ahead,
waves return, break again,
changing the shore
with every strike.
 
Half-light, firefly-dark,
jackals’ burning eyes,
fear of all this broken world.
Yet with sea and sand
love still plays,
foolish joy still hums.
 
You remain awake, O light.
So the heart remembers joy,
so people may sleep in peace
inside this night’s house.
 
Stay awake, O light,
keep watch, untiring guard.
I too wish to wake with you,
holding love tight,
searching only for
what is just—
on this earth.