walking

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