Morning Stroll

A brisk, overcast morning; silence was my only companion on my early morning stroll down the street of what is considered the “downtown” area, of the city that I grew up in. There’s something quite peaceful and relaxing about strolling leisurely along the street by yourself, watching the world slowly wake up as the day comes alive.

Being that I was one of the few souls that wandered the streets this morning, I decided to take a roundabout route, to and from home. Walking down the street, I meandered through the alleys and side streets, pausing to look into shops and stores, devoid of any of the activity that they would be experiencing as the day draws on. The closed store fronts afforded me the opportunity to gaze upon a still sleeping city. One that wouldn’t be asleep before long.

The street lights that changed from green to red and back again, were the only objects that seemed to have any life at all. They were diligently performing their assigned duties at regular intervals. Birds perched atop of those lights, peered down at the silent streets below. Soon those streets would be filled with the hustle and bustle of people, rushing off, preoccupied with their own tasks in mind.

Making a left turn, onto the last leg of my journey toward home, I took a deep breath of the fresh morning air. It was still unspoiled by the automobile exhaust fumes that was sure to fill the air soon. As I made my way down the street, I spied an attractive woman hurrying in the opposite direction, toward whatever destination she had in mind. I nodded, smiled and greeted her with a pleasant, “Good Morning”. She flashed me a brief smile and hurried on her way.

Stepping to the front door of my home, I took one last look at the world and committed to memory the tranquil peace that still hung in the air. A car roared by, snapping me out of that moment. The driver, intent on making it to work on time, didn’t even take the time to enjoy what was left of the morning.

The day had begun.