Michael Morris

Early Risers
 
Making the silence comfortable
with soft music and a cup of coffee
I listen to the dog scratch
his clean skin, then the click
of his toenails as he walks
across the cold hardwood floor.
The heater cycles on and I am
reminded of the cold outside
and a little demotivated
to exercise, both of us early risers.



After Frost
 
Trees are no companions in winter
as hearted thing—like you and I--
must keep moving—continue the flow
of blood in the veins of things
avoid the stagnation of thought
     or reflection.
 
     Meanwhile,
wisdom falls like snow
     on frozen branches
where blue jays and cardinals
build nests and listen.

Michael Neal Morris’ most recent books are Based on Imaginary Events (Faerie Treehouse Press) and The Way of Weakness.  He posts regularly to the blog This Blue Monk and makes music as Device Flesh, sacramental, and Clique Bait. He lives with his family just outside the Dallas area, and teaches Composition and Creative Writing at Dallas College’s Eastfield campus.