Bringing in the Day
A mother wakes before her children
To experience silence,
To pray for strength.
A man stands at the window
Each morning, coffee in hand,
And watches shadow
Turn to light.
An old woman descends
The same stairs,
Sits in the same worn chair
And opens her prayer book.
She reads slowly
Then stares off
Into the candle light.
How many of us are there
Who bring in the day
This way?
Waking to bird call,
Silently waiting,
Reading,
Praying,
Listening,
Breathing in
This day’s beginning.
Young and old,
Man and woman,
We hear dawn’s call,
‘Seek ye first.”
This is how we come to life—
By noticing.
And noticing is a gift
To the world.
By Maria Brady-Smith
Photo by Mike Smith
Happy New Year!! Here is a poem about bringing in the day that might apply to bringing in the year as well. I will give you a little insight- I am both the young mother and the old woman in this poem, my past and my future self. I have always needed/treasured the sacredness of early mornings and I imagine that I always will. It grounds me and gives me strength for the day ahead. Blessings to you for the year ahead. I hope that you find grounding and strength as you step into the unknown.
Maria, you always craft such sensitive images in my mind’s eye. Thank you.
I am glad, Mary. Thanks so much. Happy New Year to you!
Your talent is such a wonderful gift. Thank you for sharing it. I appreciate your thoughts which help me center myself. HAPPY NEW YEAR
Thank you, Theresa. Happy New Year to you as well.