National Poetry Month – Day 5

Wednesday, April 5, 2023

I post a new poem each day in April.

Morning at 104 River Road

(Day 5 – NPM – April 5, 2023

Morning at 104 River Road

begins with a snort.

My canine alarm clocks

trot up the white carpet stairway.

I hear muffled steps.

Miss Mitchell and Miss Dixie Tulip

pause at the landing

give me the signal.

I am awake instantly.

I’ve had a lifetime of practice

waking up before dawn

to meet the needs of others.

Like a good Mother, I hear

a soft cry, tentative snort, muffled

cough, or explosive sneeze.

I need just a little sound of distress

to go into action.

Instantly,

For the felines in the family,

I respond to quiet

gestures, sudden movements.

I no longer bring crying babies

comfort on my lap

before dawn

while village resident’s slumber.

Mornings are still lively today.

I am outside walking my dogs day or night.

But, dogs and cats demand

an early morning breakfast at 5 a.m.

I wait for them all to finish eating.

I will wash the six dirty red bowls.

This morning at 104 River Road

It’s always a furry morning wake-up surprise.

–

© April 5, 2023. Lynda McKinney Lambert. All Rights Reserved.