Our host for Spiritual Journey Thursday for December is Jone MacCulloch, who shares a quote by Thomas Merton to inspire reflection and writing: The world of men has forgotten the joys of silence, the peace of solitude, which is necessary, to some extent, for the fullness of human living. Jone invites us to share what we are doing in these days of December to promote periods of silence and reflection. You can read her full post here at this link.
Morning Silence
when the alarm goes off
at 5 a.m., I rise and follow
protocol ~ slippers, robe,
bathroom, toothbrush,
thyroid meds, then back
through the bedroom with
three taps on my hip
whereupon twelve paws
hit the floor and follow me
out to the living room
and into the front yard
to greet darkness,
stillness, silence,
Venus shining a
shadowy spotlight on the
frigid farmland, our
breath white and wispy
rising as a quiet prayer
before scuffing
back indoors, three
Schnoodles awaiting
treats before their
return to bed
…
but I savor the peace
of the morning
sipping coffee
writing
by the light of
the tree where the
only sounds
are my thoughts
Common Threads 
Kim, there is something special and magical about the peace and quiet of the morning. The world around us may not quite be awake which gives us the opportunity to relish the peace and quiet savoring it before the hustle and bustle of the day begins. Bob
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I am currently reading your poem in the quiet of winter rainfall, and a doodle on my lap licking my fingers as I type. This is a season to lean into the dark and quiet times.
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Kim, it’s been a bit since I’ve posted and come around to read posts of others. I took some time for some other much-needed reading this year. It is a treasure to come read your words and to hear twelve paws hitting the floor in the early morning. I love that sound! I also love scenes like the one you describe here – outside in the frigid stillness, Venus bright above. A holiness hard to describe. Sometimes prayers are wordless, just our spirit communing with its Giver like breath rising white and wispy…just beautiful, friend.
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Thank you, Fran! I’m glad you posted for SJT this month, and I am glad you’re back writing again. I’ve missed you!
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Kim, I popped by in search of your SJT post and read far too many posts. Your book club sounds absolutely delightful. What a fun group! I love writing by the light of the tree, but haven’t done it yet this year. I just finished decorating the tree on Wednesday. Love how you captured the peace of your morning and shared it with us.
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