Poised on the edge of the bedshe sits in sharp light,pointed feet barely touchingthe dim floor.

Through fear-filled, furrowed browshe stares at the encroaching shadow.

I want to protect her, reach into the canvasand take her home,adopt hermake her my grand-daughterhold her safe and warmmake her wholewatch her dancefearlessin the golden morning.

As I despairanother little girl approaches the painting,and broadly smiles in recognition,nodding to this new-found playmate.

She knows how morning lightalways pushes backthe black night.