the body in the darkness moves with hesitation for another day
am I waking up?
the arch of one foot spoons the other calmly then the top foot moves to the bottom calmly roll to my back twist ankles concentric circles then up and down extend one leg, engaging and lengthening hip and spine knees tucked, rub shins then twist left twist right feet drop to mattress surface, hips lift drop throw off covers take a picture of them later search in the dark, for comfy pants a sweater, socks and slippers sitting at the edge of the bed twist right then left before standing I am awake. stand up slowly hold the handrail going down the stairs in the dark turn on the kettle, visit the bathroom turn off the nightlight turn on the stovetop light, living room light, dining room light gather lap blanket from sofa, bring it to chair place reading glasses and phone on the adjacent table Look to see if you can find the moon. check to see if water is boiling place filter in ceramic funnel then coffee begin pouring slowly get 1/2 n 1/2 from the fridge coffee stretches while water drips standing under the doorway, arms reaching up opening shoulders, reminding the torso of its length standing by the sink, grip the counters edge step back flattening back, parallel to floor listen for the sound of the heater for the sound of the sump pump for any sound of rats or a hummingbird's scratchy song Some sounds reassuring others disturbing. pour more water over coffee look out your window to see what the neighbor is doing stand, reaching right arm up and then arching over twist with arms reaching out, add 1/2 n 1/2 open the curtain when light begins the day to come sit in your chair, admire clouds watch neighbors motion sensing lights go on then off. watch runners run, bikers bike, dog walkers walk. Comment aloud: the sky is pink open phone, get hypnotized swipe in several directions do one puzzle, peek at calendar or yesterday's to-do list make a series of calls to politicians power off or do some writing with fingertips. return to kitchen to boil more water while coffee drips lift knees high, marching in place gently hold edge of counter, kick legs waist high facing counter holding on, lift legs up sideways Begin to think about granola toast or oatmeal unless it’s M W or F when you put on your suit to go for a swim.
who is waking up and how? who is not waking up? why not?