I awoke singing “amen”

under my breath, as if commending

my body to the day ahead-

whatever may come.

When bones are coded for aches

and nerves programmed for struggle,

the gift of hope is time speeding by

with the sun overhead, pointing to glory.

It’s a dark place tapping its coordinates

upon skin and psyche

that won’t allow for missteps

or amusements. Rise above. Amen.