A Start To Another Day

Two different ways to start one's day

How you likely started your day:

Went out the door  and locked it tight.  

Went out the walk while looking down, sorting out your keys 

and then unlocked  the car door.  

Feeling for and fastening your seat belt. 

Looking at the ignition  while inserting the key, 

starting the engine, releasing the parking brake 

and casting a quick glance at the gauges

then a look in the rearview mirrors before backing out 

and perhaps taking a quick final look back at your house. 

Your mind already absorbed in your busy coming day.

How I always start my day:

Like you: out the door and locking it tight behind me, 

but here’s where do I things differently. 

Before taking a single step I lift my eyes to the sky 

To see if it’s cloudy or clear while taking a deep breath 

Of  fresh morning air. 

I take a few seconds to sort through the scents 

of blossoms, soil,  leaves and all the aromas bourne on the breeze. 

I pause on the way to my car to lend an ear

To the morning chatter of Sparrows, Blackbirds, 

Mourning Doves and neighborhood dogs. 

After a good sixty seconds or so of listening, looking and sniffing, 

Then…and only then…do I proceed to my car, start it up and drive away.

Feeling pretty good that I had given myself (once again) 

a very pleasant start 

to an otherwise very ordinary day.

Author's Note

Just kind of a writing exercise