good morning
the sun crosses the thin horizon
swiftly skyward as if on a string
the light it gives is still surprising
as the darkness vanishes away
the sound of brilliant birdsong
brings blessing to this morning
the rise of notes from her voice
uplifts the start of this new day
how can I not be hopeful
while bathed in such light
and serenaded with such beauty?
how can I not be joyful
when offered such a promise
and graced with such a gift?
how can I not be curious
about what the new day brings
and what new thing might happen?
I could choose to solely mourn
to grieve all the disaster
I could elect to curse what is
and fear what happens after
but I possess another choice
one granted by the Giver
to wake to this good morning
and to live in love and laughter.
Brad Sheppard
March 10, 2025
Holy Encounter 