The soft hum of radio static
I role over, slowly, languidly.
6:30 pierces through the darkness
As I stumble to stop the sound;
I fall back to bed,
Fifteen more minutes of peace.
6:45, lights flash through my door,
I yell reassurance that I’m up.
I feel for my clothes with eyes still shut
And walk out of my sanctuary.
The lights burn my eyes
Like soft white matches held to the skin,
I reach for the switch and bring back the night.
I eat a bite of food in my sleepy daze and shamble to the bathroom;
Comb your hair, brush your teeth, and wash your face,
Like clockwork I obey and finish the task.
Dressed and ready I head out the door,
Bag on back and money in pocket,
Ready to face the world at my age,
Ready for life to begin
But going nowhere as of now.