Josiah Vermont

Rise to the Night
– Josiah Vermont

When i was a child the bucket toilet was for girls
We who stood up to release
watered the flowers outside
Even when it was freezing
Even when it was dark

Every night i was afraid
Each night i faced the monsters
Fear was replaced with calm
‘The Unknown’ was now comfortable
Darkness became my friend

”What about coyotes?” You asked at 5 years old
”Become a wolf” I replied, us both outside
“Daddy is right here.”
I howled at the abyss. You howled with me
This is how we grow warriors- rise at the night and face fear

I heard you jumped in the deep end yesterday
My heart is a young man now
I would have loved to raise you all the way
You’ve already made me proud
And what does the warrior whisper back to fate?