“Morning Routine” by Naomi Sved

As the remnants of sleep
are pulled from me
light peeks through the curtains
Maggie's big brown eyes stare
willing me to acknowledge her
I drag myself out of bed
dress quickly, collect her leash

Her tongue hanging out, tail wagging
chirping birds accompany us
as we head up the block
azaleas brighten our way
newspapers lie in wait for their owners

we relax outside Starbucks
Maggie at my feet, her usual cup of water nearby
she greets everyone with a wag
waiting patiently as I scan the headlines

after a few pats on her head
we go home to start our day