missed most mornings
in the rush to start the day

the gray trail behind me
back to the farthest point
I ever was from here

gray figures
beside the trail

gray figures
in the woods
on the horizon

gray figures that beckoned me
to continue on the trail

encouragement
so indistinct and
necessary

so cloaked now in routine’s amnesia
but visibly present

on the good mornings
I see one or more in the periphery
and stop wherever I am

to nod and acknowledge gently
swiftly so as not to slow my progress

before returning to the trail with
increased confidence
for today at the very least