5:45 a.m - poem by Dale Wisely - Brief Article - Poem

National Catholic Reporter, May 11, 2001 by Dale Wisely

   He sits with one unglazed doughnut
   and a cup of black coffee.
   He does not acknowledge
   the presence of other customers.

   The manager, without flourish,
   had waved off the little man's
   offer of coins from his coat.
   The man had nodded gratitude.

   He takes his place and arranges
   doughnut and coffee
   on the little table.
   He pauses and takes a deep breath.

   He takes up the doughnut
   and inhales fully and puts it
   back down. Again he pauses
   and closes his eyes and opens them.

   He takes it up again and
   holds it in both hands and pauses.
   He closes his eyes
   and mutters under his breath.

   He takes a bite and,
   eyes still closed, chews slowly.
   "Praise Yahweh," he says
   and Yahweh is indeed praised.

--Dale Wisely Birmingham, Ala.

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