Awaken –

suddenly,

splashingly –

to that song

(despised),

that songster singing;

the alarm’s relentless

ringing

from the bedside as

(swiftly)

he departs

and addresses not

the wailing,

blaring

song.

Emerge.

Upward, surge

from watery warmth,

and rouse translucent

waves to tidal

lapping,

spilling,

slapping

over and past

the slipper tub’s

smooth sides

of porcelain

white.

Outward,

stretch;

extend one arm

(fingers streaming)

to reach and strike

(again!

again!)

the alarm’s

rigid,

buzzing,

boxlike

surface and silence

(at last!)

disharmony’s

jarring

blast.

Awake.

Fully wakened…

In blessed quiet,

become aware —

across the room —

of the calico’s cider

stare;

and —

beyond

the glistening rim

of the polished tub —

of the small dog

that deftly,

daintily dodged

the sluicing

flood pro-

duced.

 

— C.Birde, 4/20