Anon

It's 4:00am, and I've been awake since 2:00am.  I'm not sure when or why this happens.  Maybe it's middle age?  Whatever the reason, I am grateful for it.  These quiet morning moments are some of the most peaceful, indulgent times.  I make myself a first bitter cup of coffee, write, grade or watch television and stave off the day.

In the gentle nearby sound of a train clanging, in the hum of my refrigerator, or the cat scratching at the door, I make myself a turtle safe in its shell and avoid the rush of responsibility and self-doubt each new day brings.

This is not a complaint but rather an epistle.

I am grateful for the opportunity to fall/fail,

Get back up,

Sometimes feel excited or proud. 

Brush off the bruises,

Hug my warm children,

Make fresh and public attempts at being worthy.

Oh, but the sweetness in the early morning.

Where anonymity lives.

by Juliet C. Bond