the start...

getting up earlier and earlier lately
mornings are definitely a new concept for me
but somehow
nine
eight
even seven a.m.
i'm awake most days
all on my own
and with no "day-job" at that

the body clock adjusts
semi-adulthood creeps in
and you rise to the call of life

having southern exposure and no curtains in the bedroom
probably doesn't help matters
but i'm wide awake at any rate
and often earlier than matt

i always used to worry
how mom and dad could do it
and i never, ever could

they amazed me
up and at 'em
whistling
joking
makeup
blow-dryers
the sound of high heels on a hard-wood floor
smells of showers
q-tips
breakfast ready or waiting

and the three of us scraggle-heads
tossing
and
turning
and
moaning
and
churning
unable to even conceptualize
joining this world
this early

but here i am
now
reading at 7:10
checking email by 8:00
breakfast eaten and enjoyed no later than 9 o'clock

early, early, early
for a night-worker
and even
earlier, earlier, earlier
for me