The way the morning opens …
light streaming over night,
birds busy, a cacophony of fuss,
not a new story, but a new day …

Yoga mat rolled and ready …
I quick step to the park.
Friends and I will cat cow together
under elms and evergreens,
wet grass sticking to everything
before red sun sucks the ground dry …

This time before nature releases
her full blast of burn
is our time to bask in the open air,
smoke free air, maskless,
stretching and strengthening our bodies,
our friendship.

What else is there
but light and sinews
that keep us connected to one another?

~ Susan Dlugach