the gradual rising

the wake up

is gradual, the slow

rising of self from sheets

and mattress,

pillows.

the cringe of light

in sand

crusted eyes.

last nights drink

still

with you on wobbly

feet as you

guide yourself

towards water,

the cold

shower,

the aspirin, the relief

of maybe

one more hours sleep.

ignore the door,

the phone,

even the dog, at the foot

of the bed

will have to hold on,

and wait.

did you really say and

do those

things,

so long ago,

that late,

or was it all a dream, 

let's go with that.