My Walk

Each morning I walk twice around my neighborhood,

Twice around the rectangular subdivision, and

Once along the street fronting the place.

I walk thinking,

About the night just ending,

About the day ahead, and

I listen to doves waking and mockingbirds

Greeting the day with their unearthly song.

There are sometimes neighbors,

Or, better yet, fellow residents

Who are starting out on their day—

Work, caregiving, dealing, loving.

It is a pleasant walk,

Short and predictable. 

I always turn right when starting out,

I always walk to the end of the sidewalk 

Along the street fronting the place.

I walk thinking.

--February 26, 2013