POET

Routine
By M. E. Wood

My legs ache. I stop on a mossy
plateau and catch my breath. The sun
       will
be up soon. It would be hot and
hard going had I waited.

Coming down the other side will be
easier. It will still be dark.
       I love
the coolness of the air
just before dawn. The wetness of
the earth as it covers my shoes.

Time to get moving. Not much
farther to go. My pace quickens
as I find my rhythm. I wear no watch
for time does not matter when I am
here. The sun is higher. I see
glimpses out the corner of
       my
eye. The rise will be beautiful.

I sit on my rock and look out
at the greenery around me. The sun
is just peeking on the horizon. But
the birds and I have been up for
hours. I enjoy my breakfast as
I watch the world come to
       life.
This is a good day.

*published in The Green Tricycle / December 2002