Misty Mornings & Sunny Afternoons

Traffic lights offer an Impressionistic glow,

Streets are darkened in dampness,

Waterdrops plummet off of heavy leaves,

My view is shortened-swaddled in a soft, misty grayness,

A subtle, quiet calmness fills this morning ride.

Warm air blesses my forehead and cheeks,

Sunshine makes my eyes crinkle and squint,

Vivid green leaves kiss a bright azure sky,

My view encompasses the whole neighborhood and beyond,

A healthy, energetic rhythm fills this afternoon ride.

So last night I looked at the weather for today before going to bed. It predicted a sunny day and 70 degrees. Perfect- I will ride my bike to school.

Well, this morning I went out the door without paying too much attention to the weather. I noticed it was a bit foggy at the top of the trees so I quickly grabbed a windbreaker to wear. I started my ride and to my surprise, the fog was heavier than I expected. Plus it was misty and drops of water were plunking on my head as I rode underneath the arching tree branches. This was not what I had expected in my morning ride and I felt a bit let down.

I had thought about turning around but I was almost halfway there so it seemed pointless at that point. So I decided to change my perspective! I noticed that the ride seemed to have a hush about it. My tires weren’t making their usual sound of running across dry pavement. Cars seemed to be going slower. I didn’t come across any others walking or biking who I usually wish good morning. The low clouds seemed to be swaddling the world this morning and giving us all a slower, soothing beginning to the day. While parking my bike, I really was grateful for this ride, even though it was not what I had expected.

The ride home this afternoon was such a turn around. I whizzed through air warmed by the sun, heard kids laughing, noticed the bright green leaves against a cloudless blue sky. The world was echoing the sun’s energy. This was the ride I had expected this morning. It came later than I thought but it didn’t disappoint. It energized me for my afternoon and evening. The ride sparked the idea for this piece of writing.

My rides were so very different today but I appreciate what both offered me. Nature gave me a calm morning and an energizing afternoon. Just what I needed!