Opening one eye, I survey my space,
taking note of all that is.
Lifting my head, I shake it thoroughly,
releasing the chains of my long slumber.
Stretching my neck, long and sinous,
I belch, letting go of past memories in a stream of healthy flame…
Rising slowly to my feet, acknowledging my totality,
I lay claim to all that surrounds me…
Sweeping my tail from side to side,
I clear a path in which to work…
Stretching my wings to full capacity,
I revel in the choices that await…
And with one last, lingering look around
at this place I’ve called my home,
I leap powerfully into a pre-dawn morn
finally free to soar…