February 10: Every Morning, William Stafford, "Just Thinking"

Every morning, I get up earlier than everybody else in my house.  I stumble through the dark house, sit and read a magazine or book, check my e-mail, or stare with an unfocused gaze at the wall.  It's how I ease into the day.  A silent house.  A cold drink of water.  The day waiting like an unopened Christmas card.

I love those moments.  They fill me up, get me ready for the day's events.

That's what the whole thing is about for Saint Marty, and William Stafford, too.

Just Thinking

by:  William Stafford

Got up on a cool morning. Leaned out a window.
No cloud, no wind. Air that flowers held
for awhile. Some dove somewhere.

Been on probation most of my life. And
the rest of my life been condemned. So these moments
count for a lot--peace, you know.

Let the bucket of memory down into the well,
bring it up. Cool, cool minutes. No one
stirring, no plans. Just being there.

This is what the whole thing is about.