MORNING RITUAL
BY TRACY SCHLAPP
Shane at Snake River Correctional Institution starts his day, every day with his morning page. Writing helps him organize his mind, preparing it for the day ahead. Jacob at Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution makes his bed folding his blanket into thirds, exerting a little bit of control over his only private space. These rituals are the preparation required to transition into the boisterous space of prison. My morning ritual changes when the outdoor pool opens. Rain or shine, I roll out of bed and pull on my suit for that swim. During the winter, I have a perfectly suitable option for indoor swimming but after a few short weeks I stop swimming while the membership racks up monthly charges. I turn instead to reading in first thing morning. The book and a cup of tea better suit my temperament during the dark season. This set of writing focuses our attention on the details that ground our writers’ days.
My Commune with the Outside World by Whadi
I am suddenly wide awake.
I rise, a routine so engrained that autopilot
is an understatement,
without thought or command of my being.
Breathe, Hard, Body by Le’Var Howard
But I only recognize just how soft my skin is at this time,
My favorite and (at times) least favorite
Moment of the day.
Waking, washing my face,
Baby oil and aloe coco,
I take my time massaging my body.
First arms, legs, chest, neck, ankles, feet,
Gently.
I prepare for my day slowly,
Staring into a mirror.
Alone by Carolyn Stickley
I’ve arranged my “hygiene shelf” with colorful bottles in different heights to add a little dimension. Selected books and folders for their design and colors standing on the bookshelf and not subject — my personal resistance to the sanctuary restrictions.
Captain’s Morning Watch by Chris Ainsworth
Coffee aroma rises up in the steam of the cup
Perfectly hiding captain’s stubbled cheeks.
Acting as an unneeded alarm clock for a man
Who hasn’t known real rest for months.
4AM Ritual by Jacob Sopher
The early morning is a magical time for me. The quiet, chilly solitude is peaceful serenity. The first thing I do upon waking, before I turn on the lights, is to kneel beside my bed and say my morning prayers.
Last week we ended with Joseph Campbell’s explanation that ritual draws the wisdom inherent to our being into our consciousness. These moments of caring for ourselves, making order, daydreaming, or exercising; these quiet moments, these ritualized habits are profound in their simplicity. Take time to consider the cup that you choose for your morning coffee, or the pattern of your waking hour. These habits will detail stories told about you by friends and family when you are gone — bringing your memory back to life. | TDS