Early Morning Walk

The playground hadn’t opened; The sun had yet to rise And many might think walking In the dark would not be wise. A mist hung by the river, A tugboat pulled a barge; The cars inched down the F.D.R., Their headlights looming large. The puddles, partly hidden, Glinted dully in the gloom, Soon to saturate some sneakers Not expecting them to loom. It was magic to be walking; The few others I did see Were the regulars who love Their early exercise, like me.