Once…

Twice…

Thrice…

Alarm clock sounds

Song, unfamiliar

Eyes, sealed tight

Quarce…

Quince…

Sence…

Alarm clock sounds

Song, unfamiliar

Cannot open eyes

Septence…

Octence…

Novence…

The alarm clock sounds

The song, unfamiliar

Struggle to open eyes

Slide

down bed’s side

to floor

Tonce…

Alarm clock sounds,

Tune, recognized,

Eyes open

effortlessly wide –

A  w  a  k  e.

 

 

— C.Birde, 7/1