I awoke at five in the morning, 

unnatural for the likes of me. I, Jess Waite, hardly ever witness the world before 7:30 am. Unless it is two in the morning and I’m just getting into bed. 

I awoke at five and sat in the rickety rocking chair, the one that makes me nervous it will flip backwards —but I like to live life on the edge, ya know? 

I watched the sky begin to brighten 

The dark clouds become less so.

I watched as the world existed

In this eerie in-between light

 

My eyes are puffy 

Just big puffs all the time now 

At the beginning of this month, it was because I was sick 

And now 

It’s just because I am sad all the time. 

A pretty sort of sadness 

Because it’s mixed with anticipation excitement longing 

memories 

uncontainable joy in the form of dance parties and intertwined limbs  

 

And shifting winds, and the inevitable knowing that goodbyes are beginning 

But shoot…

I have been blessed… blessed enough to feel so deeply when the scene is changing 

To see the imprint of the one before 

And to miss it 

Before it is gone 

 

 

 

I am thankful 

For the sunrise, 

The wildflowers  

The mountains in the distance 

Blue sky above me 

The green earth beneath 

 

I am thankful 

For all that is behind me 

And all that goes before 

 

I am thankful 

for the souls 

that I have seen

And 

that travel with me 

 

I am thankful 

for the privilege

of another beautiful life 

Weaving in and out of mine 

 

 

Like fireflies in the dark, 

light passing me by,

Flickering in and out of my night

 

And I am thankful 

For the blessing of life