A NEW DAWN

Eyes glazed over
Sleep invading and leaving
Leaving something behind
Nothing that can be clutched or touched
Everything imagined
One two three she blinks
She attempts a yawn
Her mouth manages a moan
She’s tired -very
At a time when she needs to be strong
Times are hard and
Going soft is the last thing on her mind
She stumbles away from the bed
Supports herself on the wall
Her first step into the day
Behind her she hears a groan
A mumble of words swallowed
No breakfast for him she decides
He will have to make do
That is the man who should provide for her and the children
That is the man she provides for while he looks after the children
She parts the curtains
The light lets itself in
She allows a smile on her face
It transforms her
Somebody falls on the corridor outside her window
She hears curses
It’s college boy her neighbour
As he quickly dusts himself up
And makes to dash for school
Surprised he is at how his stern neighbour
The never smiling woman
Can look so beautiful in the morning