When you in the morning rise

When you in the morning rise 

And wipe the night from sleepy eyes

Then stretch the muscles with a yawn

And whisper, morning to the dawn,

I bid you cast away the plain

And give the mind a chance to reign 

To shrug off sensibilities

Embrace the possibilities

To fill your day with pleasures new

Just think of all that you can do.

Scribble something for a start,

Or take a long stroll through a park.

Watch a bird as it explores

Note the grace with which it soars

And how it flutters if by chance

Floating down upon a branch.

Let words flow from your pen

Or gaze at lilacs once again

And note the shades of purple there

It's all for you to see and share.

Divorce yourself from tiresome duties 

Awaken all of natures beauties

And best of all then you can find

All the beauty in your mind.

Observe some children for awhile,

Imagination free and wild

No constraints to trap and blind

The wonders of an open mind.

Release to roam the child within

Free the passions once again.

Take the time to wander, play

Breathe the air of life today.

               ----William Stroud