Awake at the Gates

Ten slept.
Wise and foolish alike.
She did not.
While the others rested,
she remained at the gate.
Lamp burning.

Eyes open.
Watching the road.
Not restless. Not afraid.
Simply faithful
in the silence.

The night was long.
The wait was longer.
But she had learned
that the most important moment
arrives only for those
who never stopped watching.

Then — a sound.
And she rose and shouted
into the dark:
He is coming.
Wake up.
He is coming.

This is the watchman's gift — not to be seen,
not to be praised,
but to be ready
when everyone else
has closed their eyes.