Morning Ode by Avi Bram

Morning Ode by Avi Bram

The leaves are just as green, and the birds are just as chirpy

but pleasure doesn't ooze into my mind.

A tidal wave of peace doesn't roll up and carry me along.

I don't walk untroubled and leisurely,

Stopping to gaze at a family of deer

sitting in a clearing.

I don't smile when I see a wedding day couple,

Amused that they picked a cemetery

as the backdrop for their photo album.

When the reflection off the lake hits my eyes,

I don't think, 'The sun's rays glint as they slice up the waters,'

I just squint.

When I see children kick so high their swing upturns,

or tug their parent's hand to promised ice cream,

I don't share their excitement.

Though the road ahead has mill streams with flowers

Windmills, moats and shiny towers,

I turn off and head straight home.

The leaves are just as green, and the birds are just as chirpy 

but the alarm this morning reached into my sleep

and ripped me from my dreaming way too early.