the morning walk

my FitBit vibrates at 06h30

it's still dark, and cold, but I slide out from the covers

like a mouse, careful not to disturb the sleeping cat

and creep upstairs.

i hear Bella snoring gently on the couch.

she stirs to the sound of a plastic bag with treats inside

and we head out into beauty

icicles hanging from power lines and trees

frosted in white, i trudge through a foot of fresh snow,

she pounces and prances, she raises her head

to show off a snout dusted with snow

this is why i wake up when it is still dark

and the streets are quiet

to see cold beauty