Sudden Fires

Running against water color sunrises
Had always been what he was best at
But this orange and red fury
Went up violently,
And quick

He hadn't seen it coming
And at his food that morning
Just as slow as always
Enjoying every second before the hunt
Spoon reflecting nights sparkling stars
Before white light lit it up

The stars stayed there
But their light was no longer unmatched

And while small drips of oatmeal
Ran down his bowl
He saw the break of dawn

Heart rate rapid
This is too soon
Too unexpected

The seasons hadn't changed yet
And the clocks hadn't been set back
Or forward
Not here
Not yet

But here was morning, uninvited.
Too soon.

And while he had always been best
At the chase

He had to relearn how to survive this morning.

Riley Welch
1/22/2014