When I Wake Up Poem by Jim Yerman

When I wake up near the ocean…where the ocean meets the land
I marvel at how the water glistens and at the smoothness of the sand.
Some birds soar across the sky…other along the shore will run…
As the clouds are quickly shifting colors with the rising of the sun.
Fishermen are heading out while dolphins jump and play
as the shadow of the night turns into the brightness of the day

When I wake up near the ocean…when I watch the ocean thrive
I can't help but smile at the wonder…I can't help but feel alive…


When I wake up in the mountains there is a crispness in the air
The breeze gently awakens the leaves and I quickly become aware
how the clouds are slowly moving off the mountains after hugging them so tight
providing them with warmth and comfort from the coolness of the night.
The birds begin to sing and the animals come out to play
as the shadow of the night turns into the brightness of the day

When I wake up in the mountains…as I watch the mountains thrive…
I can't help but smile at the wonder…I can't help but feel alive.

When I wake up in the winter, in the summer spring or fall
In the country, in the city…I can't help but feel enthralled…

Perhaps it's not where I'm waking up that has me so enthralled
Perhaps what makes me happy…is that I'm waking up at all…

Waking up to, once again, begin life's beautiful ballet
Waking up to laugh and love…to live another day.

Waking up realizing for another day my life extends…
Waking up to to share this day with family and friends.

Yes, when I wake up every morning…when another day I have survived…
I can't help but smile and jump for joy…
Because I'm happy to be alive.