Rise Before You Rise

I’ll rise before you rise-
I’ll be done before you go.
Before the evening bell dings high
Or the wavering sun dips low.

I’ll strike before you strike-
Flying gallant as the wind,
Before the wave can reach its crest
Or a tornado can rescind.

I’ll dive before you dive-
Waiting ready at the mark.
Before the evening heat burns off,
Or rubbing wood creates a spark.

I’ll speak before you speak-
Singing higher than a sparrow.
Before the rain can touch the earth,
Or the hunter shoots his arrow.

Like burning wood you’ll snap-
Crumbling in disposition.
And like someone who seeks revenge
I will complete my mission
Before my shadow’s formed,
I’ll be waiting in suspense.
And like a tiger seeking prey
Your dangerous fear, I sense.

I’ll rise before you rise,
And I’ll be done before you go.
Just as a shadow waits till dawn,
Or the sun can dip below.