let there be light

Today I began work at 5:30 am. Through the windows of the restaurant I manage I was able to watch the sun begin its slow morning climb. Yawning at first, but suddenly springing to life in a medeley of vibrant pinks and oranges; rejuvinated and fresh.

Across the hall the light cast shadows in the lounge, showing any speck of dust or smear of fingerprints on the glass doors. I admired the way it touched on people's faces as they waited in line for coffee, slipping into the folds of their skin; worry lines, frowns and laughter creases around their mouths.

Throughout the day I stole glances at the runners and walkers going by the main windows in the dining room. The cars that zipped by with their windows down and music blaring. Pale arms of passengers dangling out, tapping the outside of the doors, keeping with the beat.

When I slipped out at 1:30 pm my jacket lay unneed in my arms. I exited the parking structure into a world so bright my eyes teared up momentarily; a gentle stinging in the corners. I liked it.

I walked around campus today with my mom. We watched frat boys hurling a frisbee across a road, hollering at girls in tiny skirts who pretended to be oblivious but tossed their hair and shook thier hips with giggly delight. Trees had tentative blooms on them, squirrels were gathering twigs and leaves for nests, people smiled and said hello.

I went biking later on. Fathers were outside playing with their young children and doing yard work, basketball hoops and rakes scattered around. A trio of women were walking together in the quintesential "older women walking garb" of black capris, sunglasses, and a windbreaker tied around thier rounded hips. I could smell freshly cut grass and hear the sharp chatter of birds. The sun spread its late afternoon warmth across my back, heating the sweat between my shoulder blades.

It was all so glorious.