Sun dogs,
those bright
and wise
guardians of the sun
stand watch
in the sparkling
hard air,
fraught with
diamonds and prisms
that catch the light
and refract it,
back down
to the white earth.

These sentinels
of many colors
warn of harsh winds
and temperatures
below the
sacred circle,
that center hoop:
zero;
and throw
blinding light
on those who
dare to glance
at the brilliant sun,
who turns
her warm gaze
elsewhere.