There’s a stillness to morning
just before the sky turns slowly silver,
before the reds become gold
that calls out,
kindly asking for attention,
it’s voice gentle and cool,
commanding and humble.
It keeps me from returning to sleep
with promises of discovery,
the smell of ancient spices on its breath
stirring the heart of the explorer within me.
I am moved, literally, to boots and hat and boat,
allowing my eyes and ears to be filled
with peaceful resolve
and my heart with itself-
the part that hears its own voice again
alone on the water.

DGS