Sunday Morning

Sunday Morning I try not to wake him, though he stirs slightly As I crawl out from the warmth of the covers. I'm tempted to change my mind, and stay awhile longer, But a glint of sunlight peeks through the blind and calls to me. If I burrow down again, and drowse too long, This glorious time of day will be gone...until it comes again tomorrow. I tiptoe quietly and begin the morning ritual. The splashing of water on my face, of letting the dog out, Of brewing the dark, hot liquid that will help to Open my eyes and recharge my reluctant brain. The inviting aroma finally wakes my senses, and after The first sip, I begin to feel the desire to join the world again. I go outside, step onto the weathered porch, down the steps, Onto the wet grass to retrieve today's bundled news. Within it comes a page-by-page account of disasters, obituaries and comics... I decide to forego all that gloom, and lay the paper beside the front door. Instead, I drink in the morning air. The new day is slowly coming alive. There's a slight chill. This coolness will be baked away later, when the sun is high. I pull my robe around me tightly, and sit down on the stoop. Birds are chirping, and soon, I see that neighbors are beginning to embrace the day. House by house, there is evidence that awakening has occurred. A car is cruising by our house. The occupants, wearing their Sunday best, and on their way to an early service to praise the Lord. While some are sitting in pews, singing Alleluia, A man down the street is starting his lawnmower. Not mindful that the Sabbath is a day of rest, Or that he may wake a late sleeper. Inside my house, I hear the sounds of water running and dishes rattling. Then someone calling my name. In a moment he appears Carrying two steaming mugs of black coffee, one for him, and another for me. He's come to see what this new day has offered, and sits down beside me. We sit together quietly, and soak up the morning sun. It wraps its warmth around us, like the bedcovers we had abandoned. No words are needed to enjoy this moment. However, toast and jam, and bacon await us. So we turn and go inside.