Just Dawn

My window blinds squint out a slit of light.

No one can tell the view from here but me.

I see the June cherry tree out there, on the other side

holding bouncing chickadees that peck at branch aphids.

I hear the roof-spine morning seagulls barking orders

—when pushed off swiftly by rumble-crows for turf!

The rustle-bush below my pane shelters raccoons shaking soft
clawed hands.

Without a sound, regal-mother deer and spotted twins walk
down the middle of the path towards breakfast.

I walk with them in my mind, think of oatmeal and coffee.

Then, tuck my leg back under the covers a little longer.

~Shannon P. Laws