The Boy Who Chased Light

By Napuleon Sonowal

They told me, “Don’t go there.”

I asked, “Who draws that line and why?”

They said the sky was not for us,

but I had wings and stars to try.

They stared at darkness, saw the end,

I saw a flicker– called it friend.

They followed maps on roads well-tread–

I charted the wind-waves and dared instead.

While others slept in comfort’s keep,

I danced with storms instead of sleep.

Alone, perhaps– but not undone,

a blaze became my burdened sun.

Where they searched desert for a tree,

I sowed belief no eye could see.

And counted stars the light let fall–

each one a dream, each dream my call.

There were nights the light withdrew,

when even echoes never flew.

But still I stayed– I didn’t flee,

for some things bloom invisibly.

I told my doubt, “Stand down– I’m plume.”

My fear replied, but none came true.

Again, I dived into the more –

knew I as born from quiet dare.

No throne was curved beneath my feet,

yet I rose up, with ache and heat.

Now turn to where the dusk once lay–

And meet the boy who forged the day.

Not all stars wait for the night–

some rise by chasing their own light.

By Napuleon Sonowal