A Cool Morning Jaunt

It's cool this morning before the sun begins its climb and starts the daily bake. I've decided to take advantage of the weather and take a walk to the convenience store in hopes that I might find some cold medicine.

At 7:00 am the day is beginning for most of the city's residents. Bicycles clatter and whir beneath business men and high school students who've balanced their tennis bags or musical instruments precariously in the tiny bicycle basket.

Lively children in colorful matching summer hats file up the streets to their schools, carrying book bags and lunch sacks.

The youngsters flit and chitter like little birds without a care in the world. One suited father chases down his son who has forgotten his bag.

Outside the local kindergarten, a worker tends the school's tiny garden, weeding and coddling the fresh seedlings that have barely begun to peek out of the dark damp soil.



Hydrangeas, vines, and branches of indistinct, unripe fruit hang heavily over walls surrounding quiet houses. Cicadas have just begun their song which proceeds from deep within the mass of flora.

On the road next to the river workmen have been working for hours cutting down the overgrown weeds that tangle around signs posts and light poles. The air smells sweet, of cut grasses and wild onions, and remnants of leaves and grassy husks blow away on a light breeze. The small river is dangerous and dirty, but the sound of water running is pleasant and adds to the sensory symphony that surrounds my walk.

On the way back from the store, houses are quieter now that the people have left for work. A dog sleeps tethered to its small house and a pair of minuscule butterflies tumbles through the air towards a tree bearing pink flowers.

I'm loathe to end my morning walk so soon, but the sun is quickly heating the air and driving away the last of the early morning dew.