First Glimpse

Steve Bell

the utterly unexpected
a star, a light, a voice
shakes us awake
opens our sleepy eyes
interrupts familiar routines as

our hearts tremble, muscles tighten;
do we run to prepare for battle
or do we freeze in place?

the animals also
rustle and stand up-
confused like us

they see the exploding sky and yet
they sense no threat but instead
merely listen,

huddled together for warmth
as unearthly music
fills their ears.

we quickly make plans
to see this great thing, a revelation-
word has become flesh
and we have been invited
to catch the first glimpse.

Steve Bell
Poet

Photography by Joel Swick

Ekstasis Magazine