Before the Sun Rises

 

Before the sun even thinks

About kissing the sky

I rise.

The world is still dark

A quiet chill sitting heavy in the air.

And my alarm buzzes like a duty I didn't choose

But learned to answer anyway.

Up and at it.

That's what they taught us.

That's what life required.

I peel myself out of cozy pajamas

Those soft little promises of rest

And I step into the bathroom

Where the mirror holds the truth.

My spirit hasn't spoken yet.

The steam from the shower

Meets my skin before the water does.

And my heart starts racing

Like it knows something about this day

That I don't.

And before I let the world touch me

Before I give myself

To the calls

The duties

The aches

The expectations

I pause.

I breathe.

I lift my head

And I thank God

For trusting me with

One more sunrise.

One more chance to say His name.

One more day

To carry this body

With purpose

With strength

With quiet grace

Before the world wakes up

And asks for more.