Early Rising

It's 4 am,

the time my eyes open each morning.

The earth is quiet 

and most of the world 

is still sleeping.

I walk out onto the front porch

and gaze up.

The black velvet sky is full of stars.

I feel peace

as I gaze into the endless void.

I am a tiny speck of dust,

but I AM,

and I give thanks.

I breathe in the cool darkness,

and a million points of light

become arrows 

that fly down and pierce

bubbles of sorrow 

hiding in my heart.

As each illusion pops,

sorrow turns to joy. 

My heart beats to the healing grace

of transformation.

And I give thanks.

Back in the house,

I open the coffee bean jar.

I close my eyes,

put my face into the opening

and breathe deeply. 

It smells crisp and brown.

The scent clears my sleepy mind,

sharpens my senses,

and I give thanks.

The coffee maker

crackles and chatters

as it spits the inky ambrosia

through its belly,

hot and strong,

just for me,

and I give thanks.

I sit and hold the warm cup

between my two hands.

Watching out the window,

I breathe and wait. 

One sip, then another,

full and rich.

My taste buds do a happy dance

and I give thanks.

The desert birds

begin their morning song.

Dove, Quail, Owl, Sparrow, 

Roadrunner and Crow,

twitter their plans for the day,

sharing their secrets,

telling their tales,

and I give thanks.

Soon, rays of colored light cross the horizon.

The palette is generous,

the colors like a warm salve.

I feel the heat on my face,

 and as the cracks in my broken soul

begin to mend,

I give thanks.

I take account

and there's no doubt.

Life!

Light!

Sunrise!

Sunset!

Nature!

Love!

Laughter!

Health!

Family!

Friends!

These are the gifts I treasure,

And I give thanks!