A heron stands before the rising sun and cries,
"I am a martial banner in the mists of dawn, a sentinel who saves Rome from Gothic swarms.
I am general and judge.
I am the blue sword that makes blood and severs heart from heart.
I am king.
I am the question that knows the answer and the answer to all questions.
I am the one who summons forth the sun.
I am taller than God.
I AM."
But at noon he cannot beg even a shadow.
2001
