Up

The mind’s awake.

A gentle stirring occurs as dreams melt

into thoughts that decipher where

I am and what I’m doing.

I rise slow like a giant whale breaking

the surface of sleep and spouting

spray into the waking world.

Tender toes step lightly

among the corridors and alleyways

of worn and washed clothes strewn

segregated along lines of

cleanliness across the floor.

With a creak the door creeps open

revealing my early morning summoner,

a small black cat

crying out for her breakfast.

My heavy corpse is bound for rest,

struggling upright through sleepy tasks

until at last my bowels are empty

snd my cats are fed,

both chores being unrelated

and not completed in that order.

But alas, the silent sea does not welcome

me. I slide across the icy surface

like a slow tongue stuck on

precious thoughts, addicted to the waking

world and buzzing wildly like a freshly

disturbed beehive.

The realm of dreams is closed to me.

I gaze upon its frigid surface, pressed

against its cold shoulder in hope

that one day I might return to bed

to find the warm hug of rest

inviting me to remain awhile

within the folds of familiar smelling sheets.