I Am Paying Attention

The sun remains below the horizonwhile increasing light is chasing the shadows.Reaching up from the horizon,Blazing orange, peach, yellow and greyStretch into pale blue.A whisper of cloudhangs just above the trees.The new snow grew heavy in yesterday’s warmth.I suspect it is crusty now.As the day grows, it will meltor it will freeze.In this moment, I can’t know. I can pay attention. The mood is cautious and concernedas rapid change impacts lives near and far.Anticipation, fear, worry, and discomfortgather on the horizonwhile losses begin to arrive.From under the weight oflost lives and livelihoods,lost dreams and security,a new way of living will emerge.Or not.In this moment,I can’t know. I can pay attention. The birds are arriving at the feederand singing louder than the hum of the heat pump.Chickadees, doves, cardinals and finchesconvene for breakfast.Their presence calls me to remember,to welcome the new day with energy and curiosity.As the day grows,new opportunities will arriveor not.I can’t know. I am paying attention.