Grateful Sunrise

I rose before the sun today
slipped out of my covers
into the dark, artificial warmth
of my well-heated, winter home

my mind is fresh and grateful today
resplendent in the light of another new year
new beginnings are crisp like citrus
invigorating, juicy, crystalline droplets

my heart is opening wide today
admitting all that approaches
the good, the bad, and the unknown
all are welcome within my soul

joy spills from my fingertips today
as I begin to churn the stagnant energy inside
shifting sediment and sadness
transforming it, creating new light, new love

I am so happy to be alive today
that simple gift is all that's needed 
for miracles to happen
for gratitude to consume my grief

I forgive myself today
for the dark days behind and those ahead
because I am forgetful and flawed and human
and that is not something to apologize for

I witnessed the pink and orange pallet of the sunrise today
I give myself the love that's in my heart today
I breathe into my beautiful body today
I am so grateful I awoke to that warm darkness today

Christmas Mornings

Christmas mornings are soft and special
they are filled with tender wishes 
and warm embraces
evoking the image of flame lit evenings
in front of fireplaces with family
as the harsh world blusters against the door

Let us not forget that this magic in the air
has been inside of us all year
and that we may choose to indulge
in these wondrous feelings 
whenever we wish to and
offer our love and gratitude each and every day. 

Small Moments in the Morning

Open eyes, another new day
the inky blackness
of a night not yet over
resisting each surrender
to the sun, just like me

The strained chorus of small voices
reminding me that I am needed
A sigh followed by a smile
signals the transition from a
warm cave of covers into the cold air

A fresh start, an empty vessel
eager to be filled again, but not just yet
The soft stillness of the mind in the morning
is something to be savored 
as we make the descent from dreams to daylight.

Make an effort to linger here
as long as you can
Allow your mind to rest
in the spaces in between
That's where I'll be.