Standing at the kitchen counter, sleep still permeating my eyes I feel for the coffee pot, prepare the pot, as I have done so many mornings. I squint adjusting to the light well aware I’m being stalked by the morning pet parade. Three sets of eyes are staring up at me. I pour dry food into the two cat bowls, grab the dog’s leash from the coat rack and head to the door with a prancing Reindeer. Once we are out into February’s chilly morning darkness and at the canine appointed place of business, I stare up at the dark blue sky over us. I gaze at the stars. Standing in the starlight, surrounded by winter’s stillness I’m startled awake as I take inventory of my heart.
