Dawn arrives gently
This early spring morning
With trees silhouetted
Against the brightening sky,
Some tall and straight,
Others round and full;
Birdsong and woodsmoke
Fill the crisp air
As my dog and I
Fetch the daily paper,
My booted feet
Crunching along the graveled drive
As our breath escapes
In frosty whisps.
Steadfast and tough before the chill,
Spring wildflowers bloom
In the grass alongside the road,
And a squirrel scolds us
From a wooden fence post.
The sun peeps over the ridge
Of the tallest mountain
Illumining me in a soft, warm glow
And I pause,
Raise my arms,
And give thanks
For being alive.