Today I awaken before the birds

I beat the sun to the horizon

I crave these precious stolen moments

Where the world is mine alone 

As all else slumbers 

Save for the crepuscular creatures 

Who cling and creep along the shadows 

Summoned back to life by dawn 

The light begins to ooze into the sky

Painting glorious blues, yellows, and oranges

On today’s fresh canvas

I smile once the singing starts

Warm coffee in hand I toast them

My avian greeting party

As we all vow to dive deeply into

A new day