THE MORNING

Alone in the cool and peaceful dawning of Today,

I wait for the first streaks of color in the lightening sky.

The house behind me is quiet;

others still breathe softly through their dreams.

The street lamp glows,

dimming slowly against the power of the rising sun.

I watch as artificial light looses its hold,

and Nature and I welcome the strength and warmth

of Sunlight.

This is my own small piece of the world,

here outside my door.

I claim it in these early hours,

and few challenge my claim.

Jacket tightened around me against the lingering chill,

I breathe the freshness of a new day and stroll,

unhurried,

down my lane and onto the walk

shared by my neighbors, my friends.

And as I stand alone, other lives are waking.

A rustle, a chirp, a wandering hound.

Softly, the hum of a starting engine,

the crunch of wheels turning,

the life of Work beginning once again

on my street.

Sunlight bids us grow, flower, produce.

The chirping spreads from tree to bush to wire,

and eager Day now rules his lighted Kingdom.

I bless this new day.

I wish it well.

I hope it treats me kindly.