Quietly

   The earliest morning is

a piece of solitude

a bit of thoughtful quiet

a time when I can

wake up on my own terms

wake up to a breakfast I prepare,

however simple.

The cat sleeps in the next room - Sleep on!

The family sleeps upstairs - Sleep on!

I must wake you soon,

but for now let me sit alone

while a radio plays softly in the kitchen

and an uncomplaining book

sits open in front of me.

No real worries or cares

in my earliest morning peace,

private peace of solitude.