She is sitting on a park bench facing the peaceful sea. The early morning breeze is singing a familiar tune to her ears while it caresses her hair, revealing the features of her face – brown eyes, narrow nose, pale skin, and dry lips. Her gaze goes directly to the line separating the sea and the sky as if waiting for someone to come home.

I watch her eyes sparkle as the scene of dawn blooms upon her face. She welcomes its rays with her arms spread as though she hasn’t seen the sun for eternity. My favorite part is when her lips curve into a smile together with her eyes. It’s peaceful. It’s home. It’s a daily miracle. She closes her eyes and breathes a little lighter as if trying to capture this precious moment in her memory. With a promise of return, she bids her goodbye and finally be on her way. Away…

Only if I could make more sense on this hour, maybe I could have made her stay….

I am a lamp post near the park bench where she sits.

I can only give a deep sigh as a sign of defeat knowing I could never compete with someone whose light makes everybody’s day… especially hers.

But still. I was there when it was still dark and she was alone on that same familiar bench. I will still be here when that happens again, giving her temporary light and stretching my humble rays to protect her until she doesn’t need me anymore.

I only wish she knew I was there… And I’m still here.

Literary by Primo Policarpio