Waking up to your cheerful voice
Announcing happily that you slept in
I look at my watch surprised
To see it is just past six thirty
The summer morning sun is long up
The screen door is open to the deck
Letting in the bird feeder soundscape
With the overnight cooler air
Once this was my workday start
Rising while others stayed asleep
Quietly departing on a long commute
Arriving in time to clock in
Greeting the others in the locker room
Changing into our uniforms
Waiting for the bell to assemble
Before getting into our delivery trucks
Now we dress for our exercise walk
Getting out early ahead of the high heat
Following our usual route along the river
Recognizing familiar faces similarly inclined
You name the birds that we hear
As we accumulate steps adding up miles
Enjoying a pleasant walk in the shade
Delivering a healthful start to our day