Backyard

I arose early this morning,

A whole lot earlier than I wanted to.

You know how it is,

Rough night at work

Too tired to sleep peacefully

A few hours spent

Fitfully sleeping

With reality mixed in with my dreams

I finally just gave up on sleeping

And resentfully started the day.

I did all the morning things,

Coffee pot on first of course,

Then armed with my first cup

The dogs and I went outside.

They, of course, were gleefully bouncing

Happy to be let out,

Happy to be dogs.

They kept inviting me to join the fun

But I refused.

Too much to think about,

Serious stuff you know.

Besides, I was way too grouchy

To play dog games.

Maybe it was the coffee kicking in

And maybe it was something much stronger

But as I sat nursing my coffee

I saw the first blush of sunrise

On the eastern sky

And then a mockingbird

Came to sing his sweet song

And even I couldn't ignore the wonder

Of this peaceful kingdom

Our backyard...

I sat there and thanked God

For bouncing dogs

And mockingbird songs

And for you.

I missed you this morning