- faeeza
early in the morning
as the sun begins to rise
i set off in the brisk autumn morning
clad in workout gear
headphones in my ears
for my morning walk
i listen to podcasts
inspiring or educational
and try to remember to marvel
at the natural beauty that surrounds me
greenery, birds chirping and the blue sky that’s unfolding
even in the streets of the affluent
i sometimes smell the remnants of garbage spills
from garbage bins on the pavements
and i remind myself that i need to compost
i pass other joggers and walkers
i pull my mask over my nose and mouth
while saying hello
at this early hour
i mostly pass workers rushing past
to their minimum wage jobs
i feel guilty and grateful for the privilege to walk for fitness
while others walk because their taxis
do not drop them at their exact location
i return home and check my steps
i feel invigorated to start my day
satisfied that i exercised that morning