troubling brilliance

we face the sun in greatest pride
and are most humbled by the ray
that burns the eyes at height of day
the wiser cower and wait inside
each of us knows we have to hide
the air has power enough to slay
the light will serve in an affray
best let the lesser rumblings slide
shadows are sharper than a knife
no one with sense will walk the street
they'll keep a watch the while we sweat
but something's to be done for life
this is the chance for power to meet
and for the brave to take the bet