The Fire Frank I. Sillay

Photo by Janet Safris

Thoughts of the New Day

By Jay Jacobs

On the morning porch I sit observing the early world. Heavy with rainbow dewdrops, a glistening spider web spun between the railings reflects the new day’s light. Enticing unwary airborne and terrestrial commuters into its mesmerizing embrace, it beckons, a sparkling invitation to be consumed.

Walking through the shadowy, damp woods, our thunderous footfalls alert scores of vibration sensitive earthworms to our presence. Emerging from amongst the soggy forest detritus, slithering far faster than their sluggish city cousins, slimy, ropy bodies slide down the hillside en masse, a living landslide of squirming bird food.

Intent on their respective missions, chipmunks, squirrels, moles, and other small creatures announce their presence as they rustle, scamper, climb and scurry about with purpose to fulfill the important tasks that nature has assigned them.

Singing their euphonic or cacophonous daylight welcome song, birds flit from branch to branch, or hop and peck in the yard. By chance, one drops its gift on the bill of my cap; good luck or misfortune, depending on one’s point of view.

Walking along the grassy shoulder of the two lane road, we encounter the contradiction of flat snakes, the latest victims of steel tonnage, belted rubber, and unyielding blacktop. Farther along, incongruous splotches of bright orange shout the presence of young salamanders that have ventured out from their hidden lairs; a skull and crossbones warning to hungry birds, and yield sign to morning hikers.

Deliberately tossed from moving cars and trucks, unwanted donations from the inconsiderate litter the roadside drainage ditch. A blight of beer bottles, soda cans, plastic cups empty cigarette boxes, and containers of varying size, shape and material grow more numerous by the day, contrived weeds choking the lush greenery.

Morning stroll and dog business concluded, we climb the hillside path to the back door, and a hot, welcome cup of black coffee with toast, kibble and cooked chicken for Maddy. Good morning, all.