I took the time to thank Debby, again,

For carefully placing the Bee and Enterprise Record

On our doorstep—she is an early riser
and likes doing it.

She was planting flowers next to her front door.

I paused to listen to the cries

Of the red-shouldered hawk twins

In the top of the Tulip Poplar

In our neighbor’s backyard.

A long narrow puddle on the road

Reflected the bright-blue sky.

I wondered how Muggins, our Boston terrier,

Could not just sniff but

Wind himself around a holly bush

And remain unstuck.

I noticed a tiny spider

Flying an impossibly long strand of web

When she drifted out of the shadows
of the trees.

Renee, a frail cancer survivor,

Was putting out pots of red geraniums

Next to her garage.

She said she was late getting them out.

I told her I had missed them.

I said they were beautiful

And at the same time thought

That her tremulous smile

Was far lovelier.

Even though the sunlight had
penetrated my bones

And made me smile,

I was happy to get home,

To walk though my front door
one more time

To Claudia

and banana toast with blueberries

And strawberries and walnuts.

Thank You, Lord, for a taste of heaven,

For Sabbath morning walks.

Amen.

Andrew Hanson writes from Chico, California.