Alone

Before the daybreak stains the land,
Before the birds strangle the silence,
Before people stir and start to swarm,
I arise from my comfortable bed.
I change into loose, but well fitting clothes
I pull on my trusty shoes and socks,
I leave my family snoring and slumbering,
And walk off down the road.
The air clings and caresses my shoulders,
Biting its way down into my lungs,
I shiver with the chill and with anticipation,
At the long road unwinding before me.
My pace quickens, but then remains constant,
One foot racing its near neighbour,
Both in a form of competitive cooperation,
Propelling me ever forwards.
Until all too soon I've returned,
Daybreak and the birds electing to join me,
But for a while there I was safe and secure,
The only person left in the world.

I get up at 4:20 to go for a walk. It takes about an hour. For that time I don't see a car, another person, very few animals, the sun etc. It's a strange feeling, but a powerful one.