AWAKENING THE MORNING AFTER

I awoke this morning, the first day after the World Congress of Poets,
ready for breakfast to be served, but no longer in a hotel.
I am no longer the international dignitary
promoting world peace, brotherhood
and understanding through poetry,
but a lone woman waiting at home for her son
to bring back her companionable dogs from a walk.

I woke up this morning, the first day after
the World Congress of Poets,
ready to jump and run to the bus for a tour.
Instead, I stroll through my garden
exalting at how well my son watered while I was gone.
Shoulder high cosmos dance in the sun.
Zucchini bristles from the center of gigantic leaves.
Oranges tap my shoulders as if to say, “Pick me! Eat me!”
Multicolored petunias, glorious roses
and six gold fish in a pond shimmer their greetings.

I return to the house, ready to get back to work.
While my photographs download onto my computer
I realize that although I am at home waiting
for my son to bring back my dogs,
I am still a poet promoting world peace,
brotherhood and understanding
with everything I do, every day, every moment, every thought.

I feel so happy that I can help the world
be the wonderful place I see.
I hope I can continue this dream.