Early one morning

I am ambling along

The gravel drive

On my way

To collect the paper.

My mind is busily reviewing

My roster for the day ahead,

Aware, yet not aware

Of the beauty surrounding me

Until the strident caw

Of an arrogant crow

Startles me out

Of my self-absorption.

I pause mid-stride,

Blinking my eyes

As I reorient myself,

And suddenly

I am filled with wonder,

For on either side of me,

Vining over the aged fences,

Is a multitude

Of morning glories,

Their pastel petals open wide,

And living up

To their name;

In the grassy median before me

A small brown bunny

Nibbles placidly upon a dandelion,

While all about

A flock of cooing doves

Pick at grit and pebbles

Amongst the stones.

For long moments I stand there,

My plans for the day

Put on hold,

Breathing deeply

Of the cool mountain air

While I immerse myself

In the sacred and precious now.

And suddenly I am

Overwhelmingly grateful

For this unexpected respite

From the mindlessness

Of my busy life.