The Start Of One's Day Poem by David Whalen

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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.




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