Preciousness
Morning’s rising face
Energizing peace below—
Fresh outlook embraced
Boundless
Clear night sky arrives
Breathing with infinite peace—
Tomorrow on deck
Permanence
Intimacy felt
Transforming peace covers earth—
Creator’s presence
Early morning’s reversing wind
No longer facing fierce headwind
Life takes comfort in day ahead
Thrilled to be awake, out of bed
Skipjack sailing away from home
Leaving Choptank’s berth, free to roam
Adventure waiting, take it on
Facing nature, ready with brawn
Pride of Maryland’s Eastern Shore
Nathan of Dorchester explores
With summer day’s life-giving breeze
She skims across these waves with ease
Distant river shoreline fading
Chesapeake Bay, now invading
Each crew member tackles his tasks
Loving this boat, each effort basks
With warm breezes, life’s sails now fill
Each port of call, sharing goodwill
The inspiration for this poem comes from my travels to Maryland’s Eastern Shore along the Choptank River at Cambridge. While I haven’t sailed on the Skipjack Nathan of Dorchester (yet), it is something I would enjoy experiencing during a future summer trip back to my wife’s hometown.
Originally published March, 2021.
With persistent breath
Morning answers spirit’s call
Gentle westerly breeze
Earth wrapped up in her shawl
With comforting warmth
Dawn’s early light welcomes all
Darkened sky whisked away
Brightest rays seek landfall
With silence stirring
Landscape at last comes alive
Worldly view awakens
New day ready to thrive
With freedom’s rhythm
Harmony’s refreshing drawl
Breathless tranquility
Timely tune never stalls
With intimate touch
Creator’s dreams never small
Tomorrow cannot wait
Nature fulfills His call
Gentle morning rain
Freshening landscape’s spirit—
Reverent stillness
Gentle morning breeze
Rejuvenation’s spirit—
Everlasting peace
Gentle morning light
Infusing nature’s spirit—
Outlook’s warm design
Landscape embraces warmth
Whispering from above
Fabric of spring descends
Sharing Creator’s love
Winter’s cold fades away
Transforming earth’s outlook
Tender grass comes alive
Following spring’s guidebook
Memories feeling young
Uncovering cherished prize
Charm awakens with peace
Filling morning’s blue skies
Today meets tomorrow
Nurturing every thirst
Breath of hope replenished
Witnessing rain’s cloudburst
Spring’s timely arrival
Beholding each snapshot
Precious life now reborn
Finding nature’s soft spot
Rising early
New day shares greeting
Before sun awakens
Nightly darkness retreating
Embracing light
Heart warmed by sunrise
Morning’s sustenance breathes
Life receives its grateful prize
Looking outside
Harmony’s landscape
Snowfall’s peaceful rhythm
Fresh coffee’s dreams of escape
Finding goodness
Beautiful day sings
Oatmeal’s filling spirit
Welcome nutrition it brings
Blessing this day
Outlook fills with pride
Opportunity’s charm
Joy saddles its daily ride
Endless, winding path
River’s poetic treasures—
Unique in spirit
Flowing with purpose
River chases horizon—
Map never needed
Night’s curtain rises
River’s peace always on time—
Morning’s stillness breathes
Autumn’s fading pulse
Winter’s joy arrives
Bearing gifts from darkness
Morning’s sky alive
Welcome transition
Wood stove’s warmth alive
Sharing gifts from darkness
Morning’s peace high-five
Clearest eastern sky
Alarm clock shows five
Yielding gifts from darkness
Morning’s grace now thrives
Crisp winter sunrise
Treasured light now thrives
Raising gifts from darkness
Morning’s spirit drives
Clouds moving away
Distant light shall drive
Bearing gifts from darkness
Morning’s breath survives
Wishing to dine out
Reservations all filled up—
Home’s dinner for two
Morning’s coffee spot
No longer waiting in line—
Brewing cup at home
Gift-wrapped retirement
Immersed in new adventures—
Life’s blessed pairing
The first hour of the morning is the rudder of the day.
The sun does not shine for a few trees and flowers, but for the wide world’s joy.
Henry Ward Beecher (1813-1887) was an American pastor and abolitionist.
Big Sky Buckeye 