Morning Run

Tiptoe through slumbering house
Floor creaking, laces snicking, joints cracking
From cool dimness into bright morning sun
First steps launching from walk to run
Settling into stride

Neighbours' nods
Hand lifting in greeting
Silent dog tracking my progress wistfully
Dodging parked cars
Noting yards strewn with toys with knowing smile

Down the hill past the park
Wide open green space
Sun peaking over the roofs
Breathing deep
Relaxing

Heart's Desire wood path
Enveloped in green light
An almost holy hush among the trees
Flowers peaking, leaves unfurling
Birds a twitter with morning joy

River's roar over the dam
Constant, filling, steady power
Contented water music among the rocks
Scent of sun-warmed water
Flick of a fish, a startled frog

Old neighbourhood
Stately houses resting
In yards a riot of colour or finicky manicured splendour
A house pregnant with hope
A prayer for the family friends moving in this summer

Drowning in blossomed perfume
Lilac, apple, plum, dogwood
Momentary showers
Of white, delicate pink, blushing fuchsia
The hum of bees

Fox and kit, geese and goslings
Busy squirrels and bright-eyed robins
Sun-bright grass-gravel verge
Slipping by head-down
Heading east up hill into the sun

Final stretch more uphill going
Running concentration dimming view
Hearing reduced to breathing and footsteps
The occasional car passing on to work
Breaking through

Home again
Aglow with heat and satisfaction
Passing from bright sun to cool darkness
Tiptoe through a slumbering house
Cool shower relief