Morning Poem

Every morning you’re the first to know you’re sleeping, each light, the sun, the sky and every blade of grass awaits, soft prayer and spring shines through shifts in the air—and let’s embrace it. The mornings revolve like clocks inside dreams. Start the dance—with faith, the heart—you and I. Each morning, we’ve done it again, a symphony returns, every flower opens, each bird a chorus; we please the universe so love does begin again, resuscitation of color and sound, of clay and smile— you’re the first to know—you’re awake— the universe waits for your song.

Every morning let’s dance alive.

• Mary Oliver