“Not just yet” – I whisper to the sun as it shows its first glimpse of splitting the darkness.

The morning darkness for me, brings abundant peace.

It is in the darkness. My soul is still, my mind is permitted quiet, even if briefly.

With the light comes demands and schedules, but the dark? There is calm.

So I seek out the dark. Setting my alarm well before dawn. Well before others in my home begin to stir.

Earlier and earlier these days. Chasing the calm before the storm.

Chasing the darkness, you might say.

No cars in motion at this hour. No birds have began their solo song.

Just me, my loyal pup, and a warm cup of Joe.

In the still, in the quiet, I can just be.

No sound. No mess.

Wrapping myself snuggly.

Watching the dance of the candle flame.

Begging the sun “ not just yet”.

Perhaps this is why I adore fall in winter so?

For the gifts of these seasons are more minutes of darkness.