gratitude,  landscape,  natural areas,  Pineridge Natural Area,  poems,  poetic journal,  poetry,  sunrises,  writing/reading

Morning Sanctuaries

June 21, 2022

My day begins in the sanctuary of my home.
with the quiet of prayer and meditation.

Then I make my way to the sanctuary
of a local natural area.

My feathered sisters and brothers greet me as the goldfinches,
house finches, chickadees, meadowlarks, magpies,
robins, swallows all sing songs of joy this morning.

I watch their amazing aerial antics as they snatch insects in midair
or playfully chase one another from branch to branch.

My eyes catch that patient fisherman, the Great Blue Heron,
who silently wades in the shallow waters of Dixon Reservoir.

A pair of mallards cruise the waters of the reservoir
sending their delicate wavelets to shore.

A noisey crow pesters a red-tail hawk, both adrift in the baby blue sky.

Two bashful cottontails step from their hiding place
to nibble on blades of grass.

My soul now filled with nature’s delights
and the mind cleared of intrusive thoughts,
I make my way to one of my coffee shop sanctuaries.

Two young squirrels pause their wrestling
to keep a watchful eye on me as I enter this sanctuary
then scamper up a tree.

Now sitting in a favorite chair enjoying my mocha latte,
crafted with love by Emma.

I now put pen to paper in my journal
taking note of the ordinary gifts
given in my morning sanctuaries.

ms

Retired. Having fun with photography. Journal daily. Meditate daily. Learning haiku. Have a love for fountain pens.

6 Comments

    • Monte Stevens

      June 21, 2022 at 7:19 am

      Thank you, Tom. I enjoy spending mornings this way. However, I have days like today where I know the sun will rise even if I’m not there to watch it. And those song birds will sing even if I’m not there to listen. Have a wonderful day, my friend!

    • Monte Stevens

      June 21, 2022 at 11:21 am

      This was taken back on May 23rd and to tell the truth I don’t remember. I’m guessing it did. The sky that morning was wonderful, full of color and patterns. Another one of those mornings that start the day on a good note. Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment. I so look forward to all the visits.