Morning Run

The wind blows Morning's breath into your wake... A dragonfly speeds past, a flash of color To show that spring's advance guards are awake A rhythm of steps, flurries of flakes, And all's in a hurry! I cannot tell whether beauty or wonder Will win this morning race... I am a part of everything An Observer on the Breeze A Knight on the dragonfly's back Shall we fly back, he and I, To greet you? To be stunned? Or simply to fly on past and wonder Whether you saw us -- that's not my way! We'll light on your sleeve And I'll leap off Transform into An ordinary-sized and mellow fellow Running alongside, Praising your dogs, Remarking that the sky is filled with promise Of rain or snow this morning And the clouds hide the Sun Like a veiled meaning... If I run hard And steam my many breaths Into the frigid air As I introduce myself To the dogs and to you Will you slow Or will we keep running Or was it just my imagination, The hint of a smile on your lips A turn of your head A nod of acknowledgement A word... The frosty air is coming in off the thawing lake The dawn is five minutes into morning And everything's just right For conversation